Preventable grief

Some childhood grief is preventable. Ephesians 6:4 says, "Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged." I am saddened at how often this passage goes unheeded. I have known many adult survivors of childhood "provoking" of many forms. It leaves deep lacerations on tiny hearts.

I get from this passage that God does not want children to become discouraged. That says a lot to me about His response to Children. He put effort into making fathers safe for their children. He is putting the responsibility for their emotional well being squarely on the parent. It is important to listen, watch, and learn... really get to know children. They so want to be watched, heard, and known.