DIS 2REPLY 605

Underpinnings to Child Rearing

Jackie Enfield

DBMF 605-B01

Dr. P. John Brunstetter

January 27, 2020

DISCUSSION BOARD THREAD NUMBER 2 2

Don’t saturate the child with materialism

Dobson (2014) cautions against giving children everything they want when they want it.

I believe this is the most difficult underpinning for parents to understand and do on a consistent basis because we live in modern times in a rich nation where anything we want is easily attainable. When you give a child everything they desire, the parent is removing the pleasure emotion that occurs when one is able to obtain something through hard work (Dobson 2014). Delayed gratification is an important piece in child development. It can help build and develop trust, as children are required to have faith that parents or other adults will follow through with the desired object or event in the future. Withholding immediate materialistic items also helps children (and adults) work on self-control.

Practical strategies

One strategy to help overcome this underpinning is modeling self-control for your child. Especially with older children, talk to them about a goal you have (family vacation, new outfit, etc.) and talk to them about the steps you are taking to save for this reward. Use language such as, “I really want those new shoes but I don’t need them. I’m not going to buy them now but I will save for them.” A second strategy is to offer a reward such as a sticker or fun activity when your child attains a goal. With my own child, I admit I have failed greatly at times with this underpinning. Most of this is due to having only one child and being blessed with the ability through my career and family to provide him with his wants. Thankfully, my son does not exhibit a sense of entitlement and is appreciative of all he receives.

Biblical perspective

As an adult, I sometimes lose sight of what is important and how blessed I am in my life. Food, clothing, shelter, drinkable water, electricity, and health are a few things I take for granted in my day-to-day life. Children especially are not able to comprehend this at a young age, however it is our duty to expose them to what is important and what is extra. “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that” (1 Timothy 6: 7-8). We should live for God and not materials passions and we must teach this to our children.

Reference

Dobson, J. (2014). The new dare to discipline. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House. ISBN:

9781414391359.