The Effect of Excessive Discipline by Jack D.

case #1: Johnny! If you break any rule, I will have you locked in your room and beaten for a year as soon as your father gets home.

Poor Johnny, even though he wanted to be good, within a couple minutes has broken a rule. Now he knows he's getting the full brunt of the punishment when the time comes, so he might as well have at it the rest of the day. Since he is already going to pay the full price, he might as well get his money's worth. He may even try to run away, rejecting his parents.


case #2: Johnny. If you break a rule, I will have to discipline according to each offense. Johnny, I discipline you because your wrong actions are hurting you. The pain of discipline is to help you change your thinking so that you won't react in a harmful way in the future. A few minutes later, Johnny violates a rule. Appropriate discipline is given and though it hurts, Johnny is grateful for the maturity and cleansing it brings. He is left to consider his future actions will bring results according to his deeds. There is a healthy motivation for good behavior.

case #3 Johnny goes to the store with Mommy. Mommy say's "Johnny, don't touch anything. If you do, I will give you a swat for each thing you touch when we get home. A few minutes later, Johnny reaches out and touches some interesting artifact on a lower shelf. Mommy, looks at him and says, "That's one". A few minutes later as he reaches out and picks up another item of interest, Mommy says, Johnny! That's two.
I guarantee you, Johnny starts doing the math at a very young age.(As long as mom remembers and keeps her word.) A just punishment is extremely effective whereas an overly harsh punishment crushes the spirit and creates hatred, bitterness, and a breakdown in the relationship. God's stated work is to reconcile all to Himself,(2Cor 5:19) and he proclaims he will accomplish all his pleasure. (Isa 46:10)