We’re just wrapping up our second week of homeschooling, and it’s already been a little different than I imagined. With a newborn in the house and a wiggly, bright 5-year-old, I’m learning that this journey is just as much about me growing as it is about teaching.
My oldest is eager to learn — and also very motivated by video games. At first, I wasn’t okay with the idea of him playing after every lesson, but after talking it through with my husband, we decided that if it helps us both stay engaged and keeps the rhythm flowing, it’s okay. That’s a big step for me — letting go of the perfect plan and leaning into what works right now. Grace upon grace, right?
Most mornings we begin with copywork, usually a simple Scripture verse printed out for him to trace and copy. Then we move into The Good and the Beautiful Language Arts and Math K — which honestly fly by! This boy has been soaking up letters and numbers since he was two, thanks to years of flashcards and snuggle-learning on the couch. Now at five, he can count to 100, spot patterns quickly, and is already blending CVC words. Some days I wonder… is this even school? Because it feels so easy.
But the truth is, I know we’re still adjusting — not just to homeschooling, but to life with a brand new baby. So I’m choosing to take it slow. We haven’t started science or history yet, and that’s okay. We’re finding our rhythm, learning to be gentle with each other, and giving ourselves space to breathe.
One thing that’s been on my heart this week, especially while navigating these early days of homeschooling, is the balance between obedience and grace. How do I guide my kids toward listening, learning, and respecting boundaries… without snapping, threatening, or letting the little moments pile up into frustration?
What Obedience Really Means
When we talk about obedience as Christian moms, it can feel heavy — like we’re responsible for turning little hearts into tiny saints by next Tuesday. 😅 But obedience isn’t about perfection or compliance; it’s about relationship. It’s about helping our kids learn to trust us, just as we’re learning to trust God with every tiny tantrum and Lego-covered hallway.
In our home, we try to define obedience in a way that’s simple and sweet:
“Listening the first time, with a happy heart.”
Of course, that doesn’t always happen (and honestly, I don’t always respond the first time God nudges me either). But this definition gives us something to come back to — a standard rooted not in control, but in connection.
Obedience, for us, is part of discipleship. Every time I guide my son to try again, every time I remind him gently, “Mommy’s words matter,” I’m also laying a foundation for how he’ll one day respond to God’s voice — not with fear, but with faith.
Grace Isn’t Permissiveness
One thing I’ve learned early on in parenting — especially with strong-willed little ones — is that grace doesn’t mean letting everything slide. It’s not passive, and it’s certainly not permissive. In fact, offering grace often requires more intentionality, not less.
In our home, we believe that discipline is a gift from God. With our 5-year-old, we give warnings first. If the behavior continues, he receives a spanking. Our 3-year-old, being younger and more sensitive, usually has a short time-out in her crib. We don’t take these moments lightly. They aren’t reactions from anger — they’re corrections done in love, with a goal: to help our children walk in the way of the Lord.
Afterward, we always take time to talk. We explain why the punishment happened, how God gives parents the responsibility to train their children, and how obedience to parents is ultimately a way of honoring God. I’m still learning, especially as a newer Christian, to lean into prayer during these moments. I’m trying to remember to pray with my son after discipline — asking God to help him grow, and asking God to help me be patient and faithful as his mama.
He apologizes, we hug, and then we move on. That moment is over. The punishment is done. I believe in not holding mistakes over my children’s heads — because that’s not what God does to us. His mercies are new every morning.
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
— Lamentations 3:22–23
I want our home to reflect that kind of mercy — not ignoring sin, but lovingly correcting it, and then letting it go.
Practical Tools for Graceful Discipline
Even with structure and Biblical truth, parenting still has its real-life chaos moments. Some days feel like a blur of correction, repetition, and Cheerios under the couch. But I’ve found that having a few tools in my back pocket helps me stay calm, consistent, and connected to my kids — even when discipline is needed.
1. “Let’s Try That Again” Moments
Instead of jumping to a consequence right away, I’ll pause and say, “Let’s try that again with a happy heart.” It gives my child a chance to self-correct — and teaches that mistakes can be redeemed.
2. A Grace Spot
We created a cozy little corner with a few calm-down tools — a Bible storybook, a soft stuffed animal, and a calm-down jar. It’s not a punishment space, but more like a “come sit with Jesus” zone — especially for my 3-year-old.
3. Obedience Practice Through Play
Little games like “Simon Says” using Scripture or acting out obedience scenarios give my kids a safe space to practice good choices and responses.
4. Prayer After Discipline
This one’s a growing habit for me. After a correction, we sit together and pray. Something simple like:
“Jesus, help us obey and love one another. Help me be patient, and help my child grow in kindness and wisdom.”
It’s not about guilt — it’s about inviting Jesus into the everyday mess and showing my kids that His grace is for them, too.
Encouragement for the Mama
If you’re anything like me, there are days you feel like you’re doing everything wrong. Maybe you raised your voice. Maybe you forgot to pray. Maybe you just wanted five minutes without someone saying “Mom.”
But can I remind you of something?
God chose you for this.
Not a more perfect mom, not a more patient one — you. And He knew your kids would need exactly the kind of love, truth, and grace you bring into your home.
Disciplining with grace isn’t about doing it perfectly. It’s about showing your children that even when they mess up — and even when you do — there is always a way back. Back to love. Back to peace. Back to Jesus.
So when you feel like you’re messing it all up, just whisper this to your heart:
“I’m training their hearts, not just their habits.”
And friend, you’re doing such a good job. 🌷
I’d love to hear from you —
➡️ What’s helped you teach obedience with grace in your home?
➡️ Is there a verse, prayer, or tip that’s encouraged you lately?
Leave a comment below or message me on Instagram. And if you’re in a hard season, I’d be honored to pray for you. 💌
Let’s keep walking this path together — grace upon grace, one little heart at a time. 💛
LivingJamie 
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