Transform the Word

Earlier today, I found myself in one of those pivotal parenting moments that doesn’t come with a manual—but does come with a whole lot of prayer. It started with something small: a few missing snacks from the freezer.

Now, I know that sounds minor, but in our home, those little frozen treats are a simple joy. Ice cream sandwiches and fruit bars are things we all look forward to after long days. But when they started disappearing one by one, and no one was confessing, it raised some red flags.

Eventually, after a little investigating and a few direct questions, we discovered that it was our son. He had been sneaking snacks behind our backs. And when we confronted him, he did what many kids do when they’re caught—he lied.

“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
— Proverbs 12:22 (NIV)

Hearing him lie hurt more than the missing snacks ever could. But in that moment, I knew my reaction mattered. I could respond with anger—or I could respond with grace, correction, and truth. I chose the latter.

So I pulled him aside, looked him in the eyes, and said, “Let’s talk.”

We talked about choices. We talked about how even small decisions have ripple effects. I explained that when you take something that doesn’t belong to you—whether it’s a treat, someone’s trust, or peace in the home—you are affecting more than just yourself.

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”
— Galatians 6:7 (ESV)

He didn’t argue. He didn’t cry. He just sat and listened. And when I told him there would be a consequence—losing access to something he cared about—he nodded. We chose to take something from him that he enjoyed, mirroring how he had taken something that brought joy to the rest of us. It wasn’t about punishment—it was about understanding cause and effect.

“Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.”
— Proverbs 29:17 (NIV)

What mattered most wasn’t the consequence—it was the conversation. The opportunity to help him connect the dots between actions and outcomes, between dishonesty and trust, between sin and grace.

Because as parents, we’re not just raising kids to behave—we’re raising them to follow Jesus.

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
— Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)

This moment reminded me that correction is just as much a form of love as affection is. God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6), and as stewards of our children’s hearts, we are called to do the same.

I want my children to know that they are deeply loved, even when they mess up. That grace is always available, but it doesn’t erase the reality of consequences. That honesty builds trust, and trust builds strong relationships. Most of all, I want them to know that our family is a safe place to make mistakes and grow.

To the fellow parents walking through moments like this—keep showing up. Keep speaking truth in love. Keep anchoring your discipline in Scripture and your grace in Christ.

We won’t always get it perfect. But if we stay rooted in God’s Word and lead with intention, we can raise children not just to be “good”—but to be godly.

And that’s the real win—way more satisfying than any ice cream sandwich.