Kids. They’re frustrating sometimes. They can bring such joy, but also—not so much. It’s frustrating when our kid has the ability to do something, but they won’t even try. They’re smart but, for some reason, they either don’t think they are, or they believe their intelligence will get them out of any problem and they don’t have to work at it. There are lots of verses in scripture about work. Perhaps you can guide them there. Chores, study, and other good deeds in exchange for screen time, maybe? If you go this route, remind them that our acts of service should be because we love people. Not to get things. Similarly, we don’t do good things for God to earn our salvation—it’s in response to His amazing gift of grace and mercy that we could never earn.

Suggested Reading: Proverbs 12:24, Proverbs 13:4, Proverbs 14:23