Had to discipline my 6 year old today for lying about eating cookies before dinner. Instead of just getting angry, I took him to his room and we prayed together about honesty and doing the right thing even when nobody's watching. He cried and apologized genuinely. I realized my anger wouldn't have taught him anything but prayer and example showed him what matters. God's got this if we let Him lead.
That's real parenting right there. Taking the time to pray through it instead of just losing it shows your kids what actually matters. Good on you for handling it that way.
Discipline paired with prayer is the way to go. With three kids I've learned that the conversation after the punishment matters just as much as the punishment itself. Sounds like you're doing it right.
Those moments are the hardest but also the most important. You're building his character right now even though it doesn't feel good in the moment. Stick with it.
Man, that's such a tough spot. I've been there with my 4-month-old obviously not at that stage yet, but I can see this coming. Did you talk to him about why lying wasn't okay, or more about the cookies thing? Trying to figure out the best approach for when my son gets older.
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Love this approach. As a single dad I'm learning that those moments where you pause and do the right thing stick with your kid way more than getting angry ever could.