And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).
In his sermon Pastor cited from another author the following rules entitled “Twelve Rules For Raising Delinquent Children”. Paul might have called them “Twelve Dangers to Avoid in Parenting”. I like the title, “Twelve Current Trends in Parenting”.
1.Begin in infancy to give the child everything he wants, so that he will come to believe that the world owes him a living.
2. When he picks up bad words, laugh at him to make him think that it is cute. In this way he will pick up “cuter phrases” that will blow the top off your head later.
3.Never give him spiritual training. Wait until he’s 21, and let him “decide for himself”.
4. Avoid the use of the word “wrong”. He may develop a guilt complex. Then, if he is later arrested for stealing a car, he will believe that society is against him.
5. Pick up after him—books, shoes and dirty clothes. Do everything for him, so that he will be used to throwing all the responsibility on others.
6. Let him read or look at anything he wants. Oh, make certain that his utensils and drinking glass are sterilized and that his food is all organically grown, free from hormones and antibiotics; but let his mind feed on whatever garbage he finds.
7. Quarrel frequently in the children’s presence, so they are not too shocked when the marriage breaks up.
8. Give him all the money he wants. Never let him earn his own.
9.Satisfy his every appetite for food and comfort. See that every sensual desire is gratified. Denial may lead to harmful frustration.
10. Take his side in any dispute with teachers of neighbors, since they are prejudiced against your child.
11. When he gets in real trouble later, use the excuse, “I could never do anything with him.”
12. Prepare for a life of grief. You will be apt to have one.
