“Start children off on the way they should go,
and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
The following is an added thought to my post on “parenting” the other day.
This proverb contains a profound, yet simple, principle. It is not a guarantee – an absolute money back gold plated pledge. No, it is a principle. Train your child in the manner suggested in the post a few days ago (Some random thoughts on parenting) and it will be rare and unusual for your child to turn from the morals, behaviours and values that you have instilled in them. The child who rebels will do so intentionally because he or she has chosen to move from the standard set before them. But again, this occurrence is rare. However conversely, if you do not train your child intentionally from the start, it is rare for the child to find a straight and healthy path (faith, values, attitudes and behaviours) in life. Of course, some will, but they will have to consciously chose to move from the valueless and directionless beginnings they have been raised in.
Parents often say to me, “In the area of faith I want my child to make their own decision when they are older.” At first this has the ring of reason, but in no other area of our parenting do we do this. “Dear, you chose to read and write when you want to.” Or, “You chose if you want to wash your hands after going to the bathroom.” And so on. If God’s Word is true, and I believe it is, then the principle placed before us is crucial in all areas of the child upbringing, including, and especially, the area of faith.
“Start children off on the way they should go,
and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
Travels from Ur 