Twelve Rules for Raising Delinquent Children

A fourth principle in the shaping of a Christian home is discipline. Before looking at the discipline of children, we must take a sober look at ourselves as parents. Self-discipline is a pre-requisite to disciplining children and most people struggle with self-discipline. When we don't say "No" to the abuse of alcohol, food, sex and other pleasures in our life, not only are we setting an example for our children, but we also tend to be more lenient on them. After all, how can we hold them accountable for something we ourselves aren't able to do? So how is self-discipline accomplished? Elisabeth Elliot says:

"The discipline of an adult Christian means gladly surrendering himself to the authority of Jesus Christ."

I heard John MacArthur on the radio last week and he mentioned this little leaflet with the above title that The Houston, Texas police department used to distribute back in the late 1950's.  It was a satire on parents who don’t control their children.

What the Houston Police department finds are the causes of delinquent children.
HERE THEY ARE:

1.   GIVE THE CHILD EVERYTHING HE WANTS. In this way, he will grow up to believe that the world owes him a living.

2.  WHEN HE PICKS UP BAD WORDS, LAUGH AT HIM.  This will make him think he’s cute.  It will also encourage him to pick up cuter phrases that will blow off the top of your head later.

3.  NEVER GIVE HIM ANY SPIRITUAL TRAINING.  Let him wait until he is 21 when he can “decide for himself.”

4.  AVOID USING THE WORD “WRONG.”  It may develop in him a guilt complex.  This will condition him to believe later when he is arrested for stealing that society is against him and he is being persecuted.

5.  DO EVERYTHING FOR HIM so that he will be experienced in throwing responsibility for others.

6.  LET HIM READ AND WACTH ANYTHING HE WANTS TO.  Be careful that the silverware and drinking glasses are sterilized, but let his mind feast on garbage.

7.  QUARREL FREQUENTLY IN HIS PRESENCE. In this way he will not be too shocked when his own home is broken up later.

8.  GIVE A CHILD ALL THE SPENDING MONEY HE WANTS.  Never let him earn his own.  Why should he have things as tough as you had them?

9.  SATISFY HIS EVERY CRAVING.  Denial may lead to harmful frustration.

10. TAKE HIS PART AGAINST NEIGHBORS, TEACHERS, POLICEMEN.  They are all just prejudiced against your child.

11. WHEN HE GETS INTO REAL TROUBLE, APOLOGIZE FOR YOURSELF by saying, ”I never could do anything with him.”

12. PREPARE FOR A LIFE OF GRIEF. You will be likely to have it.