One of my children recently didn’t achieve the teacher recommendation they needed for another year on student council.

And I felt the tug-of-war in my innards. Part of me ached for the rejection they felt, particularly coming from a teacher who siblings confirmed was particularly difficult. I sought to turn off the ignition to my inner snowplow, shaking off the urge to appeal. 

But words from a friend, maybe a decade ago now, bubbled to the surface of my brain. Can getting caught–or discipline itself–be a mercy?

Getting caught: A severe mercy

In my mind, the answer’s a resounding yes. read more