[Singingmom]

This is the main purpose of our community, so the topic is nothing new! But recently I've been seeing young Christian parents (on instagram) call Gentle Parenting ungodly. At first I was taken aback, but then I remembered it's why GCM is here. We can and do parent without spanking and punishment in a way that honors the Lord.

There are lots of old threads stickied in this public forum, but I'd like to discuss with you ladies.

Two things come to mind. The first is GRACE. Yes, from the beginning in the Garden of Eden, we see God punish for sin throughout the Old Testament. But then Jesus comes and takes our punishment on the cross. Where we deserve judgment, we find MERCY. Natural consequences to sin abound, but he doesn't strike us, thanks be to God. He has compassion on us. He knows that we are dust. He teaches us kindly and patiently. I am so humbled by his patience with me.

The other thing on my mind is that I used to think that with the right kind of parenting, I could control the outcome, I could produce young adults walking with the Lord and filled with fruit of the Spirit. But the truth is that no parenting style or method has the power to affect change in our children's hearts. Only the Holy Spirit can do that. Gentle parenting does not a guarantee an outcome, and neither does consistent spanking and punishment. So what do we gain by parenting gently? Well, as a mom with grown kids one thing I gained is a strong and sweet relationship with each of them, even through some very hard times which are not over yet. By God's grace I laid a foundation that is serving me well in that way and I am grateful. I do have regrets, but NOT about not punishing them.

Please share your thoughts and beliefs and questions.