August 8 – Ephesians 6:4 (Amp)
Ephesians 6:4 (Amp)
Fathers, so not irritate and provoke your children to anger — do not exasperate them to resentment — but rear them [tenderly] in the training and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord.
What might provoke a child to anger? Making him do something that he isn’t trained to do. Requiring something of him that you fail to require of yourself. Not having any respect for him as a person or for his plans. This could be a long list. But if you see anger or resentment, then maybe good communication is the first step. WHY is he angry? Is his reason valid? But, whether it is or not, your response to him should make him feel safe in telling you next time, too.
“I can understand why you feel that way, and, in your shoes, I might feel the same way.”
And then, based on the information, you have the choice of modifying your requirements or gently explaining your reasons for not changing them. But let him be heard.