Discipline

I am amazed at how much discipline it takes to raise children, i.e. well-mannered children. (I don't imagine it takes much discipline to raise hooligans.) I'm not even talking about discipline-punishment, although that also takes a lot of discipline on my part. No, I'm just talking about the amount it takes to make children a productive part of the family.

For example, you cannot just tell your four year old daughter that she needs to start making her bed every morning and then expect her to do it. (Wouldn't that be nice?!) No, first you have to show her how to make her bed, and you'll probably have to do that more than once. Then you have to remind her to make it because she's four and won't remember on her own...at least for a while. Then you have to follow up and make sure that she actually made her bed. Then it starts all over again the next morning. *Sigh*

What I am learning is that in order for me to have disciplined children, my self-discipline must increase. I cannot expect my children to be more disciplined about their chores than I am. (If only!) This point hit me the other day, but it seems so obvious now that I know it. One day, if I keep at it, the discipline I teach my children will pay off. Sarah Beth now clears her place at the table without my having to remind her...most of the time, and I find that exciting. I'll take that little bit of encouragement and keep plugging away.

Do you find this to be true, also: that it takes a lot of discipline to raise disciplined children? Do you have any tips for becoming more disciplined? (I'm hoping that someone out there has a magic bullet!)