Children, it is your Christian duty to obey your parents, for this is the right thing to do. "Respect your father and mother" is the first commandment that has a promise added: "so that all may go well with you, and you may live a long time in the land."

Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them angry. Instead, raise them with Christian discipline and instruction.

Ephesians 6:1-4

All of our children are special to us. However, if we make them believe they are special they believe they deserve special favors. They do not, anymore than you or I. Speak the truth to your children. They are all special to God, to Jesus, and to us, but don't spoil them. There is a difference in being special, and being spoiled.

Spoiled children are given what they want;

wise parents give them what they need.

Our Daily Bread - March 1, 2003