Dear Parents,

I spend a lot of time talking about character training because the Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy. Right living matters to God and nothing ushers in favor more than a child who walks in good character. I passionately believe in proactive parenting – teaching in the times of peace – to build our children up for success in each area of their lives. The need for discipline could be diminished significantly if parents moved more into a proactive teaching parenting style.

However, there is a time and place for discipline. God says in Proverbs 3:11-12 that He disciplines those He loves. Since our homes should be modeled after His, discipline should be a part of our core values.

In the pages ahead I am not going to tell you how to discipline, but I am going to give a tour of the ingredients for Godly discipline that bears good fruit. The reason why I am not going to give you the 1, 2, 3 steps on disciplining a child is because children are

different, circumstances are unique, and seasons change. Therefore discipline must be about the opportunity for growth in that moment.

What if, instead of seeing our children as strong-willed little creatures, we see them as powerful world changers? What if, instead of treating them as immature, we treat them as leaders in training? What if, instead of letting their choices affect our comfort level, we put the discomfort back on them to create change? What if, instead of controlling them, we empower them? What if, instead of buying time, we invest in them? What if we call out the greatness in them even when they display their worst? What if we saw their weakness as an area to release heaven instead of partnering with the weakness? What if we stay connected with them at all times no matter what?