Is discipline harsh punishment for misdemeanors, or is the objective that of frightening a child into refraining from future misdeeds? Or is discipline, as the original meaning of the word implies, training and practice in proper behavior? In Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy throws light on the subject of discipline when she writes, "The entire education of children should be such as to form habits of obedience to the moral and spiritual law, with which the child can meet and master the belief in so-called physical laws, a belief which breeds disease" (p. 62).
As we turn to divine Mind for guidance in the discipline of our children, we find that discipline based on divine Love is neither harsh nor sentimental, but gentle, firm, and understanding. The child who experiences nothing but Love's tender ministrations will naturally express love and kindness to others.
When discipline is based on absolute Truth, we are unconcerned with the false standards of general opinion and are immune to the plea that "everyone else is doing it." Thus we can discern the correct way to handle any situation.
