Is it right for parents to give kids rules?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: The media has revealed the president’s parenting rules to his youngest son. Is it right for parents to give kids rules? Giving our children freedom to make their own decisions and learn about life is how they learn. Isn’t that what the story of the prodigal son is all about? Besides this story, what does the Bible say? – P.R.
A: Parents are responsible not only for meeting the physical needs of their children – which even nature teaches – but also for their spiritual growth. God intended for everyone to obey Scripture.
Not all children have parents that care enough to teach them, but God has instructed parents to teach their children God’s truth, to “talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way; when you lie down, and when you rise up. … You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Deuteronomy 6:7–9, NKJV).
The important thing is for parents to teach God’s word and be a consistent example. Be humble before the Lord and ask for His wisdom. Pray that God may crown your home with grace, love, and mercy, and pray daily for your children by name. It blesses the Lord greatly when the influence of Christian parents builds godly character into their children.
Responsibility lies with the parents who gave life to their children. Contrary to popular thinking, children appreciate – and need – rules. A child should be taught rules of safety. A teenager must know the rules of the road before driving a car, and children should observe their parents behaving according to those rules as well. If children hear parents talk about honesty yet fail to see it lived out, this inconsistency will do great harm.
What a privilege parents have to instill truth into their children and grandchildren, and God will help parents who commit themselves to prayer.
=======
(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
Comments