My knowledge as a parent goes only as far as my oldest child. I know how to deal with young kids, but am clueless about pre-teens, teens, and beyond. I understand that the journey of a parent is about growing and nurturing a child to become a healthy, functional adult. There are plenty of pitfalls along the path to autonomy and independence. I can only control so many variables because, in the end, my goal is not control. Like God, I do not want robot children. I want children who can stand on their own two feet, live up to their potential, contribute meaningfully to society, and live a fruitful life.

If I can’t control what influences my children will come under in the decades to come, I need to invest in them today. My job as a parent is to prepare them to live a moral life. That is not the easy path, especially today when even the most elemental facts of the human person are in dispute. I can’t shield and protect them always, but I can plant the seeds that will take root before the poison enters the soil.

We live in a busy world full of distractions, most notably the electronic rectangles that hang on our walls, sit on our desks, rest on our kitchen counters, and go with us everywhere in our pockets. If I want to raise those healthy, functional adults, I need to take the time to invest in my children and our relationship today.

Tags: Parenting Virtue