“Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, and he who hates correction will die…Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of correction will drive it far from him…Do not withhold correction from a child, for if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod and deliver his soul from hell…The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother” (Proverbs 15:10; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15).
The “permissive parenting” touted by Dr. Benjamin Spock in previous generations has given birth to the “gentle parenting” of our times.
A recovering “gentle parent” describes her actions with her two children in this way: “I validated every emotion, processed feelings extensively, explained every boundary, compromised on things, avoided harsh punishments.”
For her efforts, she had one child who was “anxious about everything (even choosing a snack), insecure in her abilities, entitled (everything’s up for debate), and emotionally dysregulated. Her other child turned “into a chronic people-pleaser who swallowed feelings and withdrew from everyone.”
The Scriptures NEVER approves of or authorizes child abuse, neglect, or mistreatment. However, it does strongly endorse decisive and stern correction which: 1) drives foolishness out of the heart of a child; 2) develops a deep and abiding respect for God and His authority; and 3) cultivates spiritual wisdom which is able to save your beloved’s child’s immortal soul.
Rejecting God’s teaching on discipline has been the downfall of many parents, including some who claim to be Christians.
Very timely John, I know of a mother who is following the “Gentle Parenting” philosophy. Her children are running all over her. Sadly, many of these parents will not realize their error till they have already damaged their children for life.