In every interaction you have with your child today, you will either provide or provoke. These are the only two choices for an unlimited number of situations. Ephesians 6:4 says, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
Parents are to “nourish up” their children. Parents are to give provision, protection, and direction. Your dealings with your children are never neutral; if you are not providing, you are provoking. The word means “to exasperate or anger”.
Children have the right to expect pro-active parents, and in their hearts that is exactly what they want. Every time I ignore rebellion, “pass the buck”, or passively wait when I should actively provide, I provoke the very anger that I would have quelled if I had provided instruction, discipline, and love.