Lift up your eyes CLYDE NICHOLS Author and retired minister
The writer of the book of Proverbs gives us these words of wisdom about raising children: “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Some years ago the Houston Police Department, with tongue in cheek, gave some rules for the rearing of delinquent children. Let me share them with you.
1. Begin when he is a baby to give him everything he wants. That way he will grow up believing the world owes him a living.
2. When he picks up a bad word laugh at him. He will think it’s cute and will pick up “cuter” phrases that will blow the top of your head off later.
3. Give him no spiritual training. Wait until he is grown, then he can decide for himself.
4. Never cross him or tell him he has done wrong. Later when he is arrested for breaking the law he will know it is because society is against him.
5. Pick up all the things he leaves lying around—toys, books, clothing. Doing everything for him will train him to dump all of his responsibilities on others.
6. Quarrel frequently in his presence. That way he will not be too shocked later when the home breaks up.
7. Give him all the spending money he wants. Never let him earn his own. He shouldn’t have as rough a time as you did.
8. Satisfy his every whim for food, drink and comfort. See that every sensual desire is gratified. Denial may lead to harmful frustration.
9. Always take his part against neighbors, teachers, policemen. Let him know that such people are prejudiced against him.
10. When he finally gets in real trouble just wash your hands of the matter. Excuse your failure by saying, “I never could do anything with him.”
These rules really work. Follow them and you cannot fail. Oh, yes, just one little thing more—prepare for a life of heartbreak and grief. In all likelihood you will have it!
Clyde Nichols is a retired minister, having served First Christian Church in Temple for 27 years as senior minister. He is the author of three books of devotionals and writes a religious column for several Texas newspapers, including The Reporter.
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