Introduction. Raising up children “in the way they should go” is challenging and requires constant vigilance. It is fulfilling and comforting to watch a child moving toward, but deeply concerning when all efforts to break a character flaw such as anger or lying are not working. The most anxious moments come when “evil companions” and “roots of bitterness” have secretly crept in and begun to influence and corrupt them. It may be a new teacher seeking to undermine their faith or a friend already steeped in evil seeking to lead them in a way they should not go. Children often don’t understand. They have not yet learned that “God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (Gal. 6:7).
There are several things parents can do to prepare for adolescence. First, every effort must be made to nip character flaws in the bud. The longer they are allowed to grow and fester, the more difficult they are to remove and the more damage they will do. An outburst of anger, even as a toddler, should be dealt with, perhaps with a strong enough tap on the leg to get their attention and show them this is not acceptable. If they refuse to give a toy back to a sibling, this selfishness must also be nipped by teaching them the beginning principles of “submit to and serve one another.” If they tell a lie, take something that doesn’t belong to them, or cheat in a game, it must not be overlooked. Everything must stop and parents must fully explain with Scripture why this behavior must stop. If they are diligent, parents can remove or greatly diminish these behaviors before the age when their memories begin to retain everything.
There are several things parents can do to prepare for adolescence. First, every effort must be made to nip character flaws in the bud. The longer they are allowed to grow and fester, the more difficult they are to remove and the more damage they will do. An outburst of anger, even as a toddler, should be dealt with, perhaps with a strong enough tap on the leg to get their attention and show them this is not acceptable. If they refuse to give a toy back to a sibling, this selfishness must also be nipped by teaching them the beginning principles of “submit to and serve one another.” If they tell a lie, take something that doesn’t belong to them, or cheat in a game, it must not be overlooked. Everything must stop and parents must fully explain with Scripture why this behavior must stop. If they are diligent, parents can remove or greatly diminish these behaviors before the age when their memories begin to retain everything.