Parenting

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken adults.”

To future generations, 

My hope is that one day each of you will enjoy all the blessings of being a parent. If that day should come, I want you to know how important it is to approach the task with care and intention. Raising children is not something to be done casually or without thought. It requires patience, consistency, and above all, love. This chapter is my attempt to share with you what I have learned over a lifetime of observing, reflecting, and caring deeply about this subject.

Parenting is one of the most profound responsibilities you will ever undertake. How you raise your children will shape not only their lives but also the world they inhabit. Over the years, I have watched as societal trends in parenting have shifted dramatically, and I feel compelled to share my perspective, rooted in experience and a deep concern for the future.

When I was young, the household was a place of structure and discipline. Whether you were raised by a single parent or a married couple, there was an understanding that parents were in charge. Children respected their elders, listened to instructions, and understood the value of rules. This foundation of respect and discipline was not oppressive; it was liberating. It provided the structure that allowed children to grow into responsible, capable adults who understood their place in the world and their obligations to others.

Today, however, I see a troubling trend. Many parents seem to prioritize appeasement over discipline. They give in to their children’s every whim, afraid to say no or enforce boundaries. While this may create temporary harmony, it often results in long-term harm. A child who grows up without rules is like a ship without a rudder—adrift and unprepared for the inevitable challenges of life.

Let me share an analogy my own father once used, which has stuck with me all these years. He compared raising children to training a dog. “If you don’t establish yourself as the master,” he would say, “the dog will one day bite you.” People are no different. If you fail to teach children the importance of respecting authority, rules, and the concept of consequences, they will grow up testing boundaries with the wrong people. They may defy teachers, disobey the law, or worse, find themselves in situations where failing to follow instructions from the police that leads to severe repercussions.

Discipline is not about punishment—it’s about guidance. It’s about setting clear expectations and following through consistently. If a child learns early on that there are consequences for their actions, they will carry this understanding into adulthood. They will respect the laws of society, the instructions of those in authority, and the unspoken rules that make civilized life possible. Today we are seeing so many young people not being able to follow rules or instructions from police or other authorities resulting in tragic outcomes. 

That being said, discipline must always be paired with love. Children need to feel safe, valued, and cherished. They need to know that your rules come from a place of care, not control. When a child understands that discipline is an expression of love, they are more likely to accept it, internalize it, and grow from it.

When you raise children, remember that they are always watching and learning from you. If you want them to grow up with respect, honesty, and discipline, you must embody these qualities yourself. Show them through your actions what it means to be a person of integrity. Be firm when necessary, but always kind. Teach them the importance of rules, but also the value of compassion. Guide them with a steady hand, but let them know they are deeply loved.

Parenting is not about being your child’s friend; it’s about being their guide. Your role is to prepare them for a world that won’t always be kind, fair, or forgiving. By teaching them discipline, respect, and responsibility, you give them the tools they need to navigate life successfully.

To my descendants reading this, know that these words come from a place of love and hope. I want the best for you and for the world you will inhabit. Raise your children with care, and you will leave a legacy far greater than you can imagine.

With love and faith in your journey,