SEASON 6, EPISODE 13, “THE ANGRY HEART”

48

WASHING WINDOWS

“My pa always said good hard work on the land puts the poison out of your system.”

—CHARLES INGALLS

Children need correction. A child who has not been disciplined creates conflict in the home and steals peace from a family. In Walnut Grove, the Davenports’ joy disappears when they discover their visiting grandson is abusive and dishonest. After stealing Charles’s watch, the boy faces jail or working off the debt on the Ingalls farm. Hard work can be a great discipline; it transforms an angry heart.

When I was growing up, my parents didn’t discipline us by grounding us. Letting us hang out in our rooms for a weekend was too lenient. When we got into trouble, it meant lots of free labor for my folks!

One time during high school, my twin sister and I were supposed to grab a ride home from Disneyland with a family friend. Instead we chose to ride the four hours home with our boyfriends. And . . . we left at midnight.

Boy, were we in a mess of trouble. By the time we strolled in the front door, my mom had quite a list for us. We spent the day washing every window in our house, inside and out. I started out mad, but every clean window revealed more of the truth. My actions were to blame, not my mom’s list of chores.

When children realize every act of disobedience results in a consequence, responsibility takes root. The Davenports’ grandson Todd works hard with Charles and discovers the source of his anger, resulting in a heart change. Charles was right: putting children to work can be the most effective discipline. Not only do the household chores get done, the children become a joy to be around.

Discipline your children; you’ll be glad you did—they’ll turn out delightful to live with.

PROVERBS 29:17 MSG

Did your parents ever discipline you with hard work? How did it affect your perspective? What kind of discipline works best with your children?