Most of us assume that the skill of parenting comes naturally. Yet, we find in God's Word, our blueprint for parenting, that our natural inclinations are often opposed to God's principles of wisdom. In this series on child discipline, Dr. and Mrs. Dunlap encourages readers to become adequately equipped for the task of parenting, to have teachable spirits and to read, study, listen and learn the truths regarding scriptural child rearing.   

Dr. Don Dunlap, a pioneer in the placement of Pastoral Counselors in the offices of Christian physicians, has conducted over twenty thousand appointments during his ministerial career. His counseling practice includes adults, children and families in crisis. Dr. Dunlap is committed to facilitating a network of telephone counselors. His goal is to provide help for the many people unable to meet face to face with a competent Bible-based counselor. For a complete library of Dr. Dunlap’s articles, indexed by topic, go to Family Counseling Ministries. You may also make an appointment for personal telephone counseling by clicking on Family Counseling Ministries. Family Counseling Ministries is a Christianity.com ministry Partner.

As a child, Debra Dunlap traveled with the Grand Ol’ Opry for several years. She performed with such stars as Johnny Cash, June Carter, Jim Reeves, Brenda Lee and Marty Robbins.  Debra came to know Christ as a junior in high school. During her college years at Florida State University, she served on staff at First Baptist Church, Tallahassee, Florida, working with youth for four years. She attended Seminary at Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas and married Don Dunlap in 1976. For twenty years she has developed educational curriculum for use in teaching their ten children. She has led women’s conferences, retreats and Bible Studies for the past 25 years. Debra has written many articles related to marriage, family and child discipline.

• Supernatural Parenting
  Parents, take heart. We do have a parent’s manual for raising our children—the Word of God
• “Go to Your Room!” (and Other Wrong Methods)
  We must examine and understand the mistakes our parents made in raising us or we may repeat them.
• Physical Punishment: Is it Abuse?
  God commands parents to administer physical discipline to children when they willfully disobey.
• Do Certain Children Not Need Spankings?
  All children are sinners and need to receive spankings. There are no exceptions to God’s rule.
• Before You Spank a Child
  There are certain preliminary steps that parents should take before they spank their children.
• Teaching Your Children to Fear God
  Parents—your children are never too young to lea a reverent fear of God.
• Parents, Don’t Exasperate Your Children
  A vital part of parenting is making certain that we do not discourage or frustrate our children.
• Parents: Earn the Right to be Heard
  Don’t miss the prime opportunities that occur each day to teach your children about Christ!
• Active-duty Parenting
  When we discipline our children lovingly, consistently and firmly we demonstrate our love for them.
• The Boy Who Wanted a Father—Not a Friend
  A son rebels when his father tries to befriend him instead of lovingly disciplining him.
• Equipping Our Children for Life
  We must urge our children to make any sacrifices necessary to live righteous and holy lives.
• Better Than Behavior Modification!
  When we discipline our children we must remember that we represent God’s discipline to them.
• Before You Use the Rod of Reproof
  If parents consistently and biblically implement the rod of reproof, God will reward their efforts.
• Bribes, Threats and Other Methods that Don’t Work
  What parent of a misbehaving child hasn’t resorted at some point to bribes and threats?
• Steps to Discipline Children
  The discipline of our children should be loving and restoring, not frightening or condemning.
• No Cowardly Parenting Allowed!
  If your child misbehaves in public, he or she must understand that discipline will take place.
• A Balanced Parenting Style
  Permissive parenting and authoritarian parenting are both unbiblical child discipline methods.
• Do You Need to Ask Your Child to Forgive You?
  Are you opposed to the concept of spanking because you’ve seen spanking used abusively?
• Parental Guidelines for Spanking Children
  Following biblical guidelines helps parents discipline their children more effectively.
• Godly Discipline: Loving, Swift and Sure
  Have you broken promises to your children and issued empty threats? You can regain their trust!