How to Rear Angry Children

[228 words] It is a great point of prudence in a father not to provoke his children to wrath (Colossians 3:21). How may fathers provoke their children to wrath? 1. By using abusive terms. Saul called Jonathan a “son of the perverse, rebellious woman” (1 Samuel 20:30). Some parents use imprecations and curses to their children. Would you have God bless your children, and do you curse them? 2. By striking them without a cause or when the correction exceeds the fault. Saul cast a javelin at his son to smite him, and his son was provoked to “fierce anger” (1 Samuel 20:33–34). This is to be a tyrant rather than a father. 3. Showing partiality between siblings. Though a parent may have a greater love for one child, discretion should lead him not to show it. Jacob favored Joseph, which provoked envy (Genesis 37:3–4). 4. Setting an embarrassing example….