Teaching children obedience prepares them for future obedience to God. Parents must actively guide children in developing self-discipline, as they lack the maturity to do so on their own. Encouraging engagement with spiritual practices can help instill self-control, a vital fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22–23.
Parents face challenges in protecting children from harmful cultural influences. Building strong, loving relationships with children is crucial for guiding them amid modern challenges, rather than solely relying on rules. Emotional connections and communication help foster adherence to family values and prevent rebellion in the face of external temptations.
Children need a systematic spiritual training program, using six biblical concepts as guidelines. These concepts help develop a conscience and foundation for future faith. Parents should gently guide children to learn love, empathy, obedience, truthfulness, self-control, and humility, ensuring they are well-prepared by the age of accountability.
Norman Wright emphasizes the importance of premarital counseling and highlights key relationship aspects: delaying engagement announcements, understanding child-related decisions, addressing spiritual incompatibility, reducing parental dependency, and benefiting from programs like Engaged Encounter to strengthen communication and prevent marital conflict for a successful long-term marriage.
A meaningful prayer life is crucial for a Christ-centered home, offering stability and protection. Prayer enhances relationships, providing comfort during challenges and expressing gratitude. The ability to communicate directly with God enriches family life, offering solace and security, as reflected in the experiences of a family devoted to prayer.
For the past four decades, Dr. James Dobson has been a leading advocate for family values, strengthening marriage and parenting. Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk is a program with a purpose: “To help preserve and promote the institution of the family and the biblical principles on which it is based and to seek to introduce as many people as possible to the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk provides sound biblical advice for Christian marriages, families and parenting.
Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk
540 Elkton Drive, Suite 201
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
(877) 732-6825