Craig Clouston

 

Crossing The Line

November 22

Fathers, do not exasperate your children...

Ephesians 6:4

Glenn had taken one look at the way Jeff was dressed and decided the best way to discourage his son from wearing pants four sizes too small was to make an example of him. So…focusing the video camera, Glenn said, “Turn around…slowly...keep your hands up.” Reluctantly, Jeff did as his father instructed. “It looks like you done stole a midget’s pants! I bet you can’t even pull ’em up!”

Angry for being subjected to such treatment, Jeff hoped this impromptu documentary would soon end. But his nightmare was only beginning, because Glenn, figuring he had enough footage, uploaded the clip to the internet. He turned to Jeff, “You think lettin’ your underwear hang out looks cool? Let’s see what people on YouTube think.”

In less than twenty-four hours the video went viral, getting over 280,000 views. In the ‘Comments’ section people wrote things like, Kudos to you, pops! and Now that’s novel parenting! I’da never thought of that! and Awesome, dad!

After reading another dozen such comments, Glenn figured he’d made his point and deleted the link.

†

At first look this appears to be a harmless form of apparel censorship; even a little amusing. But, was Glenn’s attempt at unconventional discipline appropriate? Was what he did acceptable parenting in a world where senseless people say spanking is child abuse?

Answer this question: Would you strip your son to the waist, pull his pants halfway to his knees, and put him on display in the town square, open to everyone’s ridicule, a target for their lewd remarks? Not only would he be open to the ridicule of every sane passerby, he’d be free game for those who are just plain mean, and the mentally ill. You could be creating a potentially dangerous situation.

Had Glenn stopped at just shooting the video, and then compelled Jeff to change clothes, it might have been effective without crossing the line. But airing family issues on YouTube goes against today’s text, because we should never, for any reason, humiliate our children.

If you don’t approve of the clothes your kids are wearing, sit them down and discuss the matter; set guidelines, and enforce them.

Prayer

“Lord, help me remain sensitive to the possible consequences of how I discipline my children. Help me to be a loving parent. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”