“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:11 ESV)

“Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.” (Proverbs 13:24 ESV)

My dad believed in spare the rod, spoil the child. Oh, he didn’t beat us but we knew to tow the line or we would get spanked. I remember a couple times I got spanked. It wasn’t fun.

But now days, kids can get away with murder because they threaten to call DCFS.

I have a friend who’s daughter tried to play that card. Her mom said, “Here, let me dial that number for you.” None of her kids ever tried that one again. And I have to say, her kids grew up to be kind, caring adults.

But that’s it. You can’t let your kids rule the roost. You have to let them know who is in charge. And it certainly isn’t them. Most kids are too young and immature to know what they need to do.

The kids I have had the privilege of watching grow up, have had adults who are good role models. Parents who can show them how to be a responsible adult. But even with good parents, some kids just seem to go off the rails. I blame peer pressure in a lot of cases. Kids tend to be a bit rebellious as they grow up. Their friends try to coax your kid into doing something they would never do if they weren’t pressured into it.

But what can you do?

Your at the end of your rope. Well honey, tie a knot and hang on. Get those kids to church. If you have to take them kicking and screaming, get them there. You can’t go wrong sitting in a good church, listening to a good sermon and singing praises to God. So I encourage you parents to sit your kids down and talk to them, get interested in the things they are interested in. Then you will have something in common and see how they are doing. 

Kathy Keller