I think God uses these moments to start preparing us to let our kids go. But does it have to start so early? A Parent Minute listener is asking, “What do I do when my 11-year-old son complains that I always tell him what to do?” I said the obvious, “Parents are supposed to tell their kids what to do, aren’t they?” Then I got to thinking—what if we’re always telling them what to do? Is that teaching them how to reason, work out problems, or deal with conflict? Or is it forcing them to fit into our way of thinking and not allowing them to grow? Well, I think every kid is different, but the Bible is clear in Ephesians 6:1: “Children, do what your parents tell you” (The Message). It’s really the only verse with a promise.

Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

Suggested Reading: Ephesians 6:1-3