I read an article1 the other day on Dr. Larry Sax. He says many parents today think that we need to be treating our kids like adults. He tells us: “Some parenting experts” suggest “that [parents] should offer their children choices instead of telling them what to do.” He says: “Today the parent-child heirerchy doesn’t exist anymore. Instead of parents exercising their authority because they know what’s best, they are focusing on making children happy and boosting their self-esteem.” Proverbs 29:15 is clear, “The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother” (ESV). Parents, our “job is to teach children right from wrong…and keep [them] safe”—and point them to Christ. So, as Dr. Sax says, speak in statements, not so many questions.

1“Physician to parents: You’re doing it wrong” by Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman

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 29:15