Confession

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
Romans 10:10

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
James 5:16a

If your children are like mine, you've noticed your child struggling the most with disobedience during times of confession. In other words, when they're embarrassed over sin they're more likely to disobey again. There's something powerful in confessing with our mouth and asking forgiveness - that's when true repentance is possible. The enemy knows this, and therefore works hard to keep sins in secret, hidden from the light, or ignored. What a disservice we do to our children by not insisting they account for all sins with a sincere, full apology. In my household a full apology is, "I'm sorry, [name], for [sin]. Will you forgive me?" Forgiveness is given with a smile, then hugs and kisses follow. We then take a moment to confess the same sin to God and thank Him for the forgiveness He offers us in Christ.