Disobedience is one thing. But what do you do about a child who obeys with an attitude? We’re all familiar with the child who begrudgingly cleans their room or complains as they walk to empty the dishwasher. Sometimes our children obey, but they still have an attitude.

On Wire Talk this past week Sunny reminded me of the parable of the two sons, which is recorded in Matthew Chapter 21. In it, Jesus tells this story; a father asks each of his two sons to go and work in his vineyard. The first son says, “no,” but then goes and does what his father asked of him. The second son says, “I will go,” but never does. Jesus finishes by asking his listeners, “Which of the two did the will of his father?”

I think you know the answer. The priests listening to Jesus sure did! The son who obeyed in time is the one who did the will of his father.

I get how frustrating it is to feel like your family is being held hostage by one person’s attitude. No one likes to be around a person with a bad attitude! But the truth is that only that person can change their attitude.

When your child obeys with a bit of grumbling, celebrate their obedience, even though they aren’t thrilled. Tell them, “I appreciate you doing your chores, even though you didn’t want to do them. Thank you.”

Allow God to work on their heart and pray they will adjust their attitude and do the work with a cheerful heart in the future. When that day finally does come and your child shows a better attitude, praise them and let them know you noticed!