A wise son makes his father proud of him; a foolish one brings his mother grief. Wealth you get by dishonesty will do you no good, but honesty can save your life. The LORD will not let good people go hungry, but he will keep the wicked from getting what they want.

Proverbs 10:1-3

• Don't shy away from speaking their language. "Yes" and "let me help" always work.
• Try to understand the music they listen to. Remember it is music to someone's ears.
• Be patient with their weaknesses. Neither readily acknowledge they have them.
• Encouragement in talking about problems is helpful to both.
• Be tolerant of their appearance. Both have peers who are important to them.
• If they do something you think is wrong, let them know you love them, and it is just their behavior you don't like.
• At all times pray for them. They may seem confident on the outside but feel weak on the inside. They need God to get them through these difficult years.
• A right attitude toward your family begins with a right attitude toward God.

Our Daily Bread - October 14, 2001