Why Loving Correction Matters in Parenting

It’s Parent Observation Day in a kindergarten classroom.

Students buzz with excitement as they wait to show off a game called “Pass‑Catch: Answer” to their expectant parents. Moms and dads settle into their seats while the children huddle together, eyes locked on their teacher.

The game begins.

A beanbag flies from the proud teacher to her well‑taught pupils. Parents hold a collective breath.

Whoosh! Children jump to catch the bag of beans. Only one child will catch it at a time—though everyone will get a turn.

Plop! All eyes turn to the smiling winner.

When Emotions Take Over

One over‑excited student misses the opening toss by an inch. The realization sinks in: It’s not her turn yet.

And suddenly, the disappointed child becomes the center of attention.

Stomp! Stomp!

Huff!

With clenched fists and swinging arms, she storms toward the door, flings it open, and loudly declares, “I’M LEAVING.”

The observing parents wonder what the teacher will do. The teacher wonders what Miss Priss’s mom will do.

But no one does anything of significance.

When No One Steps In

Miss Priss is gently coaxed back into the room. She marches straight to the chalkboard and angrily erases the teacher’s hard work to show her disapproval.

The teacher resumes the game, hoping to calm the storm and restore peace. Mom shrugs sheepishly from her seat.

I understand the weary mom suddenly put on the spot in front of other parents.

I empathize with the tired teacher who doesn’t want to offend anyone.

But Miss Priss needs something far more important than comfort.

She needs someone to love her enough to say:

NO. This behavior is not acceptable.

Discipline Is Love in Action

Instructions must be followed by consequences. Discipline isn’t about punishment—it’s about adjustment. It’s about guiding a child’s heart and behavior before patterns become permanent.

As I watched this unfold, Miss Priss’s future flashed before my eyes.

I saw her as a teenager:

“MOOOOOM, he is NOT a thug! He’s wonderful and I LOVE him! You can’t stop me!”

And out she marches—same huff, same defiance, bigger stakes.

Why Early Discipline Matters So Much

Now is the time to train a child to listen to wise counsel.

It is almost now or never.

Six‑year‑old Miss Priss is rapidly becoming who she will be. The teenage years are closer than we think, and they arrive with little mercy.

If a child doesn’t learn to listen now, she won’t suddenly start later.

Only next time, it won’t be a chalkboard that’s destroyed—it could be her life.

Teaching the Habit of Obedience

We’ve talked about the habit of obedience:

Practicing it
Teaching it
Instilling it into the very fiber of a child’s character

We’ve discussed consistency, follow‑through, and accountability—three very draining responsibilities, especially for the social‑media‑scrolling, blog‑loving mama.

I’ll admit it: it’s far easier to read about parenting than it is to actually step in and do the hard work.