Whether you lead at home, in church, or in business, you’ll be called upon to make hard and unpopular decisions for the good of all concerned. This is particularly so for parents. Those who fear rejection or loss of a child’s affection often ‘go along to get along’. That’s a selfish decision, because you’re putting your own need to be loved and accepted above your child’s long-term need for structure and self-discipline. How far do you think your child will get in life without these things? Sadly, many parents are too insecure to discipline their children because they want to maintain their friendship. Since when did a parent’s role include being a friend? If mothers and fathers are honest, they’ll admit that they frequently say yes when they should say no to make up for the lack of time they spend with their kids. Of course, we know that an investment of quality time yields a better payoff in the long term than anything else a parent can do. Paradoxically, children will usually end up disrespecting or even resenting a parent who operates in that kind of insecurity because it leaves children emotionally underdeveloped and ill-equipped to handle the pressures and responsibilities of adulthood. By repeatedly giving in to your child, you are postponing their maturity. Sometimes what’s called for is tough love. Hence the Bible says, ‘Train up a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.’ So seek God’s wisdom, guidance, and strength, and He will help you become the kind of parent your child needs.

© 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.