Question: My youngest child is the most aggravating and stubborn child, but when she talks about Jesus, it's like a light goes on, and she is a new child. Is there anything you could suggest to further nurture this love and trust in Jesus?
Answer: I think that this child is offering the parents great opportunities to be taught about Jesus, how He desires this child to behave, and how He can even help this child to be good.
The parents can easily teach this little one about what a gift she is to them and how, even at her young age, she is able to bring happiness to Jesus, which in turn brings joy to her parents. The parents can use this child's misbehavior as a lesson on forgiveness. The parents can teach the basics about sin and the consequences (penalties and discipline), and how Jesus can help her to obey and please Him.
It is ok for parents to talk about how Jesus forgives them (the parents) when they are bad (sin) and that He can do the same for the child. Disciplining a child for her aggravating ways without using these precious moments to teach about Jesus and His love, causes both parent and child to miss out on so much!!!! Shepherding a Child's Heart, written by Tedd Tripp, is an awesome resource, and we recommend this book to all parents. However, what the child needs more than anything is time spent by the parent in prayer and teaching lessons at her level.
Do not neglect to start and close each day in prayer with and for the child. Prayer, especially during the discipline process, is key. Discipline with love and reproof are great teachers. Finally, remember to lead by setting an example of how to have a healthy relationship with God and others, and not to forget that we too are flawed. After all, God is our heavenly Father; He has forgiven us of our sin through Jesus Christ, and He has the patience and love to discipline us when we are also being our most aggravating and stubborn.
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