I think we’ve all been there. Our son or daughter decides to test the limits of our resolve when they’re in the grocery store, restaurant, or mall. The arguing starts. The defiance. The tears. The temper. You have a choice—let it go, it’ll pass; take moderate action and hope it works; or you could take them to the restroom or other private space and take care of it; OR you can do it in front of everybody. Which is the best? I wouldn’t suggest the latter. Don’t try to embarrass them. But don’t ignore the bad behavior either. They’re testing you. Proverbs 29:17 says, “Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart” (ESV).

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

Suggested Reading: Proverbs 23:13-14, Proverbs 29:17