Testimonies

Testimonies, Tips and Tidbits Children's Capers Partners in Crime

by Robin Ulbredtch
04/02/17
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Partners in Crime

One year when I taught a Sunday School class of preschoolers, two girls kept sneaking out of class and running around in the church. Somehow, while my helper and I presented the lesson and/or were helping other students, the girls managed to escape. These girls also distracted the class with their constant talking.

At times, the girls were given “time outs” in the corners of the room and could not participate in class activities.  Because those girls tried to distract the class while in their “time outs,” I had them turn and face the corners of the room. Still they would turn towards the class and laugh, like discipline was a big joke. I finally decided to get the girls’ parents involved.

When the parents came to pick up their daughters, I asked them if they could stay for a moment because I needed to talk with them. The first girl’s father came and seemed somewhat bewildered, not knowing why I wanted to speak to them. When the mother of the second girl showed up, the first girl’s father figured it out and said, “Aha! Partners-in-crime. Now this is beginning to make sense.”

When the last student left the classroom, I explained the behavioral problems to the parents. They assured me they would take care of the problem, and afterwards I didn’t have any more issues. I thank God the parents cared enough to deal with the discipline problem.

One of the girls moved away and I haven’t seen her since. The other girl has grown into a beautiful young woman, and I heard she was leading worship service in a different church. I applaud her parents for bringing her up in the ways of the Lord.

Scripture tells us, “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction shall drives it far from him.” (Prov. 22:15 KJV) It also says, “Withhold not correction from the child; for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shall beat him with the rod, and shall deliver his soul from hell.” (Prov. 23:13-14 KJV)