It’s pretty tempting when our son or daughter isn’t behaving very well to say, “Well, they’re just going through a stage right now.” What we probably mean by that is that we’re hoping the problem will correct itself—it’s no big deal. We may not want to say that, though. These little “stages” our kids go through can really be the start of a bigger problem that should be nipped in the bud right away. When you sense your child is “a little off,” and it continues for more than a day or so, it’s time to do something. No matter what it is, spend some time alone with them. Talk about it. Are they angry? Have they been wronged? God’s Word can help. After all, it’s responsible “for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction” (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV).

Suggested Reading: 2 Timothy 3:16