How times have changed in the 60 years we have raised our children.
I would say, do not let them hang out with other kids that do not have the values that you would not approve of. Don’t let them be disrespectful to you or other adults. Make sure they are obedient. Teach them good work ethics from the time they are young. They can be responsible for household chores at a young age. Don’t let them watch TV programs that change their godly view or be too much on the computer or phone, so they don’t develop “people” skills. Make sure they have some form of weekly recreation. Develop a personal relationship with Jesus through daily teaching and example at home.
How did you figure out how to be a parent?
Noel and I had great parents, so we kind of followed their pattern in training our boys. During those years, we also had a great Christian role model in Dr. James Dobson. We read his books and listened to his talk shows. He gave wonderful advice. We did Bible studies on the topic of raising children, which was a great help. We prayed a lot to our Lord. He gave us guidance and peace in giving us the right decisions. It’s always best to follow God’s Word and not follow the changing ways of the world.
God’s Word says
Train a child in the way they should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. – Proverbs 22:6
That is God’s Promise to us, His children.