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In this audio talk, Mike Emlet addresses the parents of an angry child. There is no one-size-fits all strategy in addressing anger with children – wisdom is the operative category. The starting point to dealing with the heart of an angry child is to begin with the heart of the parent – how has the tension with the child affected the horizontal attitude towards God? All horizontal conflict has first-and-foremost a vertical dimension. Emlet examines several patterns of parenting that help to exacerbate the problem in parenting angry children. He calls parents to hope in light of God’s grace and mercy in our time of need. If Jesus is not enough for your own sin, how will He ever be enough for your children’s sin?
Secondly, Emlet asks the question, “How do you confront the heart of your child?” Parenting is about more than techniques, but it is not just techniques. All expressions of anger are heart-driven – seek to target the heart in all interactions with your children, not just sinful actions. Emlet discusses several proactive strategies for promoting relational health with children. He encourages parents to know the child in front of you – be a student of your child’s particular weaknesses. Emlet continues with a consideration of the multi-faceted ways God deals with obstinate, stubborn and strong-willed people. He concludes with options for dealing with defiance and anger in the moment.
Key Scriptures: Matthew 7:1-5, 15:17-20; Romans 3:25, 5:8, 6:20; James 1:19; Exodus 32:14; Hosea 11:8; Isaiah 1:18-19; Jeremiah 22:4; Micah 1:8; Psalm 103:10; Galatians 6:9-10
