Distract, delay, discourage—do whatever you have to do, but don’t allow your girl to set up a habit of confessing small sins. Keep the memory of her wrongdoing just at the periphery. Give her just enough awareness to try to “do better,” to climb out of the situation by forcing herself into a calmer mood, changing the scene, or getting on her phone for distraction. Put a little distance between her and the moment, and you can guide her smoothly into the next temptation, burdened and unarmed.
