"DICTATOR IN DIAPERS?"

By Hoyt W. Allen, Jr.

    Two Israeli psychiatrists, Avner Barcai and Miriam K. Rosenthal, have reported to the Archives of General Psychiatry something which parents who read the Bible have known for a long time: children who are not denied in the home are neither happy nor well prepared for the disciplines of adulthood. Parents who allow their children to become (*) despots do them a great disservice.

    "But how can I, in the day of indulgent parenthood, be strict and demanding of my children without incurring their resentment later on?" First, be assured that nothing fundamental has changed in being a parent or a child. The evolutionist cannot show you that your child is biologically or intellectually any different from the child of 2500 years ago. Second, evaluate the kind of child-rearing advice that is being given today on the basis of advice which has stood the test of time. Some of today's expertise will doubtless be as childish nonsense in a few years.

    Now listen to how the Designer of the human family regards children and their relationship to parents. He regards them as a blessing given to parents (Psalms 127:3-5). They are to give honor to their parents (Exodus 20:12), to submit to their discipline, (Proverbs 15:5), and teaching, (Ephesians 6:4).

    God promised ancient Israeli children that if they would honor their parents it would be well with them and they would live long on the earth (Exodus 20:12). History bears out that God kept His promise. Families today who are using Biblical precepts in rearing children are finding the promise is still good. Why not try it in your family, if you are not already

* des-pot - originally a title meaning "master", an absolute ruler, a tyrant.

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