What Does the Bible Say About Kicking Your Child Out?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary is a devoted Bible student who loves sharing her knowledge, inspiring others with faith-filled insights, and deepening spiritual understanding through writing.

Parenting is one of the greatest responsibilities a person can have.

It comes with moments of joy, love, and deep connection—but it also comes with challenges.

At times, a parent may feel overwhelmed by a child’s actions, attitude, or choices.

When conflicts arise, some parents wonder if there is ever a biblical reason to make their child leave home.

Does the Bible support the idea of kicking a child out?

Or does it call parents to handle things differently?

Let’s explore what Scripture says about parenting, discipline, and when, if ever, it is right to ask a child to leave.

The Biblical View of Parenting

From the very beginning, God established the family as a place of love, guidance, and instruction.

Children are meant to be nurtured, taught, and prepared for life.

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of raising children in the right way.

Parents are called to guide them with wisdom, not abandon them when they struggle.

Ephesians 6:4 says, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

God does not call parents to provoke their children to anger or frustration, but rather to lead them with love and patience.

Discipline is important, but so is grace.

The home is meant to be a place of stability, not rejection.

When Children Rebel

There are times when children make choices that are difficult for parents to accept.

Some rebel against authority, engage in destructive behaviors, or create chaos in the home.

This can put parents in a tough position.

They want to show love, but they also need to set boundaries.

The Bible speaks about rebellious children, particularly in the Old Testament.

Deuteronomy 21:18-21 describes a situation where a son is stubborn and refuses to obey his parents.

It says that if a child remains rebellious despite discipline, the parents were to take him to the elders for judgment.

This was part of the Old Testament law for Israel, and it reflected the seriousness of rebellion.

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However, in the New Testament, Jesus teaches a different approach.

He emphasizes mercy, forgiveness, and restoration.

Luke 15:11-32 tells the story of the Prodigal Son.

A son demands his inheritance, leaves home, and wastes everything on reckless living.

But when he returns home in shame, his father welcomes him with open arms.

This story illustrates God’s heart for His children—always ready to restore, even after rebellion.

Parents can take guidance from this, balancing discipline with a heart of grace.

Setting Boundaries in the Home

While parents are called to love their children, that does not mean they should allow chaos, disrespect, or harm in their home.

Boundaries are necessary for a healthy family.

1 Corinthians 14:33 says, “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”

If a child’s actions are creating disorder—through violence, addiction, or behavior that threatens the family’s safety—setting firm boundaries may be required.

Titus 2:12 teaches, “It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”

Parents have a responsibility to maintain a home that reflects God’s values.

This may include giving clear expectations and consequences for behavior.

If a child refuses to respect those boundaries, parents may have to make a difficult decision about whether they can continue living under the same roof.

When Is It Biblical to Ask a Child to Leave?

The Bible does not specifically say, “You must kick your child out of the house,” but it does provide wisdom about handling extreme situations.

If a child is engaging in destructive behavior—such as abuse, drug use, criminal activity, or other harmful actions—allowing them to stay may not be wise.

1 Corinthians 15:33 warns, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”

If a child’s actions are influencing younger siblings or causing harm to others in the home, it may be necessary to separate.

Proverbs 19:19 says, “A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty; rescue them, and you will have to do it again.”

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Sometimes, continually rescuing a rebellious child enables their behavior.

In such cases, parents may need to take a step back, allowing the child to face real-world consequences.

However, asking a child to leave should never be done out of anger.

It should come from a place of love, wisdom, and careful consideration.

The Right Way to Handle Separation

If a parent reaches the point where they feel their child must leave, it is crucial to handle the situation in a way that reflects God’s love.

First, pray for wisdom.

James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Before making a decision, seek God’s guidance and ask for clarity.

Second, communicate with love.

Ephesians 4:15 encourages, “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”

Even when enforcing boundaries, parents should speak with kindness and not harshness.

Third, offer help if possible.

If a child must leave, helping them find a safe place to stay—whether with another family member, a mentor, or a support system—can show continued care.

Finally, leave the door open for reconciliation.

Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Even if a child is not ready to change, a parent can make it clear that they are still loved and welcome to return when they are willing to respect the home.

Forgiveness and Restoration

No matter what has happened, the Bible always emphasizes forgiveness.

Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Forgiveness does not mean allowing destructive behavior back into the home, but it does mean letting go of resentment.

Parents should continue praying for their child, asking God to work in their heart.

Many parents of rebellious children have seen them return years later, changed and ready to restore the relationship.

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Just as the father in the Prodigal Son story welcomed his son home, parents should be ready to show grace if their child seeks reconciliation.

Trusting God with Your Child’s Future

Letting go of a child, whether through tough love or necessary separation, is one of the hardest things a parent can do.

But God calls parents to trust Him with their children.

Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

God loves every child more than their earthly parents ever could.

He sees them, knows them, and is constantly working in their lives.

Even when a child strays, Isaiah 49:16 reminds us, “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.”

A child is never beyond God’s reach.

Parents can find peace in knowing that even if their child is not under their roof, they are always under God’s care.

Final Thoughts

The Bible teaches that parenting should be filled with love, wisdom, and discipline.

Kicking a child out should never be the first solution to problems, but there are situations where separation is necessary for the well-being of the family.

Setting boundaries, enforcing consequences, and trusting God’s guidance are key in difficult situations.

No matter what happens, parents should always leave the door open for reconciliation.

God is a God of restoration, and He can bring healing even in the most broken family relationships.

Through prayer, faith, and unconditional love, parents can trust that God is still working in their child’s life, even from a distance.