Parenting with the Rod and Hug

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.  Pr 22:15 

The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but the righteous will look upon their downfall. Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.  Pr 29:15–17

 

We’ll be considering parenting and the family today.  These proverbs focus on corrective discipline.  But notice that last one. Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.  The goal when parents discipline children, is rest, delight, reconciliation, peace restored.

 

But that means you need to be willing to bear the rod first.  Children need to suffer consequences for their sins.  If parents hold back from discipline, out of a misguided feeling that they need to be kind instead, then children will come to expect to get their way all the time.  If parents use only words with little ones, and spare the rod, that too will spoil the child.

 

Children also need to hear from their parents, that their parents and their God love and forgive them.  It is good when children feel guilty for their wrongdoing, but it is easy for them to slip into feeling forsaken and despairing.  Receiving children back with a hug and a comforting word is just as important as bringing the rod to bear first.

 

Children, you need to honor your parents all the time, even when you feel like they are being mean or cruel.  They are doing their best to teach you God’s ways.

9/25/22