Some parents, in an attempt to protect their kids from all discomfort, may withhold discipline for bad behavior or block the natural consequences of disobedience from ever affecting their kids.
But does this approach actually protect kids or benefit them at all? Parents need to consider how natural consequences can build character. Denying our kids a chance to learn from their mistakes is often the same thing as denying them a chance to build godly character.
How the Hardship of Natural Consequences Can Build Character
How can a person discover and build strong and godly character? Christian parents understand that the Bible is a good place to find the answer. Unfortunately, sometimes the way to good character is the narrow road among the wider roads of what is trendy, popular, or politically correct. Though it isn’t always easy to accept, good and strong character is often built through adversity, difficulty, or hardship—not through blissful success.
This is why it is a good idea for parents to let their children experience the natural consequences of their deeds. Through these trying experiences, they can have a chance to build good character and begin to think with a renewed, godly perspective. Allow me to share and example of what I am talking about. Say you instruct your child to always wear safety gear when he or she rides a bike. If your child completely disregards your instructions and winds up needing stitches because of it, consider having your child work off some of the expenses of the hospital visit once he or she has recovered. You might also want to keep the bike in the garage until the bill is reimbursed.
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