“Chasten your son while there is hope” (Proverbs 19:18 NKJV).

There is a short window of time for teaching children obedience. During this time there is hope that parental discipline might become the child’s own self-discipline. It may seem a lot of work to discipline a child of ages 2 through 6, but it becomes nearly hopeless for the parent who waits until they are 12 through 16 before starting to correct their behavior. Chasten a child while they are young and when they are older, they will have learned to respect and obey. And be certain to aim past the behavior to the heart. For the child is more tenderhearted than the teen. Teach the child about sin, repentance, and forgiveness through Jesus. For the child is more receptive to spiritual things than the adult. Do this important parental work while there is still hope.