Reading through the plagues, I see how the Lord was very clear about what would come upon the Egyptians. He gave a clear request and a clear warning. With every plague, Moses asked of Pharaoh to change his heart and mind towards the Lord's people.
I think it should be the same with our discipline with our children. When we notice a sin our child is struggling with, I believe we must first point it out and lay out the consequences for future offenses of that sin. I do not think discipline should come as a surprise to our children. I have seen parents confused and surprised by the sin of their children. Often, the discipline in these moments comes out of embarrassment and frustration. That rarely will affect much in the heart of the child other than distance.
Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?
In light of this verse, and many others, we should not look to the sin of our little ones with embarrassment or surprise. Being prepared and loving, we can offer a clear warning and clear consequence. Even one of my small children understood this well before 2. May you be kind and loving in your discipline this day!
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