“No, buddy, it’s almost time for dinner. We don’t need any sweets right now.”

Jamie got that look in his eyes—a tantrum was brewing. “But I want it!” When he threw the candy on the floor, Becca said, “I know you’re hungry, and you’re ready to get out of here. I am too. But we’re not getting candy right now. Mommy decides what we buy at the store. If you have a tantrum, you will sit in time-out when we get home.”

It wasn’t pretty, but Becca managed to finish checking out and head home. She knew, however, it would have been far worse on a heart level for Jamie to get his way. After time-out, Becca talked to Jamie about obeying even when you don’t get what you want, trusting that Mommy knows what is best for him.

Parenting is full of teachable moments, reminders that our children need instruction about the way they should go (Deut. 6:1–9). When we deal with their struggles, we’re not only dealing with their actions and choices; we’re dealing with their hearts. Instead of taking the easy way out by not addressing sin in our children’s lives or in our own lives, we need to remember that more is at stake than just this moment. As you instruct your children in God’s ways and His Word, look for opportunities to point them to Jesus, the only One who can change their hearts.