Five minutes?

Are you kidding me?

How low have our standards become that it is "stunning" for small children to sit still for five minutes?

In our congregation it is not uncommon for small children (3-5 year olds) to sit quietly for two or three hours.  Yes, sometimes they are engaged in coloring or other quiet activities.  At other times they just sit and listen to the discussion going on around them.

This is entirely a matter of discipline... self-discipline.  Children need to learn to be disciplined in their behavior.

Here are a few points from Scripture regarding discipline:

For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life (Proverbs 6:23)

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid. (Proverbs 12:1)

Try telling that to your neighbor who has a child that does not accept discipline: "He who hates reproof is stupid."   Maybe just giving them the reference... hmmm....

Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline,But he who regards reproof will be honored. (Proverbs 13:18)

He who neglects discipline despises himself, but he who listens to reproof acquires understanding. (Proverbs 15:32)

For us as parents:

He who withholds his rod hates his son,But he who loves him disciplines him diligently. (Proverbs 13:24)

Discipline your son while there is hope, And do not desire his death. (Proverbs 19:18)

Scripture equates "failing to discipline our children" with "desiring their death".  I hope and pray that does not describe anyone reading this blog.

Here, in the midst of the news, we find evidence that our societal standards of behavior for our children continue to decline.  G-d's standard remains the same.

What are your thoughts?