What Kids Need
Kids Need Correction
(Proverbs 22:15, 29:15-17; Hebrews 12:5-11)
The Situation: Kids protest, "Why are you punishing me?" Children can see only that correction results in a rebuke, spanking, or loss of privileges. They cannot yet appreciate the long-term value of learning an important lesson that molds, strengthens, and perfects their character.
The Solution: A seasoned preacher observed, "About the time folks stopped training horses and started driving cars, parents lost their child-raising skills." He knew that both horses and children have individual needs and personalities. Both learn through correction. Both must be led. Children are predisposed to make foolish choices. Correction, though painful at the time, leads to righteous living.
What You Can Do: Encourage your child to view correction as an essential good rather than an unwarranted evil. The Lord identifies Himself as a loving Father who always shows concern for the welfare of His children. God knows what each person truly needs, and He disciplines us accordingly. Never discipline in anger. Always follow up correction with affection and affirmation.
