Discipline is often used in a negative connotation, but I only use the word in a "good" context. There are (as is almost always the case) several definitions for this word in English.

• a branch of knowledge; "in what discipline is his doctorate?"
  
• a system of rules of conduct or method of practice; "he quickly learned the discipline of prison routine"; "for such a plan to work requires discipline"
  
• the trait of being well behaved; "he insisted on discipline among the troops"
  
• training to improve strength or self-control
  
• train by instruction and practice; especially to teach self-control; "Parents must discipline their children"
  
• the act of punishing; "the offenders deserved the harsh discipline they received"
  
• punish in order to gain control or enforce obedience; "The teacher disciplined the pupils rather frequently"
  

Most people will probably think of "punishment" when they hear the word discipline. And while they aren't entirely wrong, that's not quite the Paul Harvey. I think it's more about the 4th and 5th definitions. It's about strength and self-control.

First, and foremost, I want my children to die to self and follow Christ. And if they truly do that, then their self-control is really Christ-control. But if I teach my children nothing else, I want them to become strong. Why would I want my children to be weak?

The spoon, the spoon?!?!? Ok, ok, I'm getting there. Not that you couldn't really see where I was going. It's my job to discipline my children, but I must do it for the right reasons and in the right way.

My dad taught me to use a wooden spoon to spank. A spanking isn't always appropriate. It should only be used in love and when the punishment fits the crime. And the punishment only fits the crime when it stops the crime.

But why the spoon?

One, it's an object I have to go get. It's so easy to strike a child out of frustration or anger. We simply swing our hand and the deed is done. But the spoon, like any object, is something I have to physically stop and go get. It may not take me long enough to settle down, but that count to 10 might make all the difference.

Two, it's a rather harmless weapon. My hand is far more deadly than that little wooden spoon. The worst possible damage I can do with a spoon is surface level. When I swing my hand, you get the full force of my arm. When I swing that spoon, my swing breaks at the wrist. My hand will conform to that child's body and the force can easily penetrate deep into the organs. At worst, the spoon will simply leave a welt.

Three, it's a deterrent. I cannot threaten to go get the back of my hand. I cannot ask a 3 year old to go get my quick slap across the face... and then watch the anguish as he saunters terrified toward that awful pain inflicting device... only to realize that I won't have to strike him very hard because the purpose of the punishment has already been satisfied before he returns.

I'm sure there are more and better reasons for or against this form of corrective discipline, but these are why I use it. And at least I love my children enough to raise them myself. So despite all of my dad's faults, at least he taught me to use a spoon. (And in case you are wondering, I don't remember him ever using a spoon on me.)