Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad: The Perspective Shift That Could Completely Change the Way You Mother

by Abbie Halberstadt

Of all the trends I see floating around the child psychology world, one of the most worrisome is the claim that “all emotions are valid.” Or its very close counterpart: “There are no bad emotions.” I don’t expect someone with a secular perspective whose worldview is steeped in postmodern moral relativism to agree with me (although I’m always surprised when some do), but from a biblical perspective, there are multiple untruths tucked into even those two short phrases. I understand the desire to separate shame from emotions that rise unbidden within us. After all, if we didn’t ask for how we feel, how can we label it as either good or bad? Isn’t that a bit arbitrary or unfair? Actually, no. The Bible pulls zero punches about addressing the origin (namely, the sin-filled human heart) of the emotions we desire to protect or excuse.