A Review of Don’t Make Me Count to Three!: A Mom’s Look at Heart-Oriented Discipline

“What is a mother to do?” This is a question moms often ask regarding discipline issues with their children. The author seeks to answer this question as she sets before her audience the goal of first time obedience from the heart of the child. Lest anyone be misled by the book’s title, Mrs. Plowman shows that “counting to three” is to be discarded and replaced with the Biblical approach. Written primarily for mothers, this book contains basic scriptural wisdom for both parents to consider.

Up front, Mrs. Plowman reminds the reader of the high calling of motherhood and the fact that disobedience is rooted in the heart. The remaining chapters provide ways to consistently and Biblically address the heart of one’s children.

The book is divided into three sections: “Reaching the heart of your child,” “How to give a biblical reproof,” and “The biblical use of the rod.” In these sections she covers such vital parenting skills as how to integrate scriptural teaching into the discipline act, how to deal with manipulation, and how to initiate and adhere to proper standards of obedience.

In developing Biblical instruction regarding obedience and the consequences of disobedience, this mother explains why parental pitfalls such as bribing, emotional appeals, etc. are to be avoided. She addresses the issue of spanking by explaining why and when it is to be utilized. She also looks at reasons people give for not spanking.

The book contains a very helpful chart in the form of direct questions, reproofs, encouragements, and supporting scripture for common sinful behaviors that parents must address.

In addition to scriptural teaching, the author has willingly offered practical examples from the parenting of her own children to provide help and hope for readers who may think they are at the end of their proverbial rope. She reminds parents that it is never too late to repent of unbiblical parenting and to begin to institute Biblical practices.

Plowman’s writing meshes godly wisdom with timely application. This volume will be a great help to parents who have covenant children they are seeking to raise for God’s glory. Officers and laymen will find this to be a good resource to give to new parents or parents, particularly mothers, struggling with discipline issues.