The goal of authority is to provide protection and direction, helping the child eventually transition from being under parental authority to being under God’s authority. 4. Communication as Shepherding
Tripp identifies different types of communication needed for different situations: Validating and building up the child. Correction: Addressing specific wrongdoings. Rebuke: A firm warning against a dangerous path. Entreaty: Appealing to the child’s conscience and soul. 5. Stages of Development The book breaks down shepherding goals by age: Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Trip
Most parenting techniques focus on "behavior modification"—getting a child to act a certain way through rewards or punishments. Tripp suggests this is superficial. If you change the behavior without reaching the heart, you are simply training a child in hypocrisy. The goal of authority is to provide protection
Moving toward a mentoring relationship as the teen learns to shepherd their own heart before God. 6. The Gospel Focus Correction: Addressing specific wrongdoings
Focusing on the "why" and developing godly traits.