To expand on my post about how I parent my son, I have to say that I don't subscribe to any typical parenting method. I have never been the type to fit social norms or expectations. I have always been the type that loves God, seeks His will and I just tap in to my authentic self and just go from there. I am generally open to any parenting method and I usually can find at least one useful thing from any book I read and I have no problem just discarding what I find does not jive with my spirit. Overall, I'd say that I employ a balanced and authentic parenting approach. When I tried to do it some other person's way, it always felt unnatural and left me with no peace. I suppose these are some questions I pose to myself: does my parenting provide peace or uneasiness in my spirit? Does it feel authentic or contrived? Is my relationship with my son growing or suffering? Is he thriving? Does my home feel like a place of safety, warmth and that God's presence is filling every aspect of my home? Sometimes a situation warrants an authoritative response, other times it warrants gentleness and flexibility.
About God just being about grace, let's not forget that God is the same today as He was yesterday. Yes He is merciful but He is also just. And the God of the OT is still the same God today. He is unchanging, Jesus is our advocate on behalf of God the Father. I have felt the times I have grieved the Holy Spirit and I felt the distance between myself and God due to my own sinfulness and it has been a painful time to know that I had lost some favor in His eyes. But just like that, He has forgiven me when I have turned from my sin and repented of my rebelliousness. Even Jesus displayed His judgment in the temple and with the fig tree.