Parental Duty

 “And thou shalt love Jehovah thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be upon thy heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”
— Deuteronomy 6:5–7 (ASV)

“Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
— Proverbs 22:6 (ASV)

“Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; But the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.”
— Proverbs 22:15 (ASV)

“For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
— Ephesians 6:12 (ASV)

Parents have been entrusted with the important responsibility of shaping their children’s characters according to the principles of God’s Word. This work should take priority over material pursuits, because eternal interests are involved. Developing a child’s character is more important than cultivating property, building a home, or pursuing business and financial success.
— Paraphrased from CG 169.3

By bringing children into the world, parents assume a serious responsibility for their future happiness and eternal welfare. They are called to train their children for God, carefully watching for influences that may lead them away from Him. Through prayer, faith, vigilance, and consistent spiritual guidance, parents should build a strong protection around their children. This responsibility requires continual watchfulness, because the conflict is spiritual and the consequences reach far beyond the present life.
— Paraphrased from CG 185.1

Parents should not place such complete confidence in their children that they become unaware of hidden faults, temptations, or wrongdoing. Loving supervision includes observing carefully, correcting when necessary, giving counsel, and teaching consistently throughout everyday life. Instruction should be given patiently and repeatedly, little by little. Firm and decisive guidance should begin while children are young, rather than waiting until harmful habits and attitudes have already become established.
— Paraphrased from CG 185.2

Allowing children to have their own way is not genuine mercy or kindness. Love that refuses to correct wrongdoing can permit selfishness, disobedience, and other harmful character traits to grow, eventually bringing unhappiness both to the child and to others. True parental love considers more than a child’s immediate wishes or feelings; it seeks what is best for the child’s present character and eternal well-being, and therefore provides loving, appropriate correction when needed.
— Paraphrased from CG 186.2

For a more complete understanding of the principles of Christian parenting, readers are encouraged to read the entire book Child Guidance by Ellen G. White. You may return to the Faith Foundations page, where the book can be downloaded from the Ellen G. White Estate.