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I have the coolest in-laws ever (and I’m not just saying that because they read my blog!) My mother-in-law, because she does read ladydusk, had a whole stack of books waiting for me when we arrived today, and as we were talking, she lent me several more. We also talked some about Veritas Press and the Vision Forum and homeschooling in general. She homeschooled my brother-in-law during his 7th and 8th grade years and they had a wonderful time. I’m so glad she’s been-there-done-that and has an extensive library of books to borrow from. Unfortunately they live an hour and a half away!

I finished Withhold Not Correction Thursday evening.

I really enjoyed this book as it used a lot of scripture to support its points about children, correction, the Lord’s discipline of us, our need to show our children that we’re imperfect and require forgiveness, etc. I thought it was interesting that the author discouraged grounding as punishment because it is hard to enforce, lenghtens the resentment of both parent and child regarding the situation, and is often isolationistic. He also discussed spanking a great deal, perhaps because of bad associations some make between paddling and beating children, and put it in a context of loving discipline administered by a parent on behalf of the Lord. One of the chapters focuses on being certain the child understands what the punishment is for by asking them questions that draw the child out:

1) What did you do?

2) What does God say about this?

3) Was what you did right or wrong according to scripture?

4) What happens when you disobey? What is the consequence of doing wrong?

5) What must I do as a parent under God’s authority?

6) What ought you do in the future?

This book was an easy and quick read. I would recommend it.