Article March 30, 1974 Issue

Handling Unruly Children

JANE JOKI MATHER

Jesus loved little children. "Of such is the kingdom of heaven," he said.^{Matt. 19:14;}

But it seemed clear to me—after a summer of breaking up quarrels, drying tears, scolding, threatening, disciplining, and cajoling—that Jesus had never met any children like my two youngsters and their pals! They frequently displayed such unheavenly characteristics as stubbornness, rebelliousness, disobedience, and hatefulness toward one another.

Every time we mothers convened, another misdeed was brought up and discussed, and a consensus reached about kids being a big problem at such and such a stage. Occasionally there would be comments such as, "Johnnie's going through a phase right now, and as long as he doesn't do anything too terrible, I try to ignore it so it'll pass quickly." Or, "The only way I can keep Susie from doing such and such is by threatening to spank her."

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