If it’s the last thing I do, I’ll get my children to…
““If it’s the last thing I do, I’ll get my children to believe.”“I will discipline the hell out of my children.”“It’s my job to ensure that they do what is right.”“If I do nothing else, I will send children out into the world who are prepared to live right.”“After I’m done with him, he’ll never even think of doing that again.” The assessment in these statements that children need to change is right. The deep desire for that change which motivates a parent is right. The commitment to work for that change is right. Then what is wrong with each of these statements? Each of them assumes power on the part of parents that no parent has, and that assumption creates all kinds of parenting trouble. If you are going to be what God has designed you to be as a parent and do what he’s called you to do, you must confess one essential thing. This confession has the power to change much about the way you act and react toward your children. It is vital that you believe and admit that you have no power whatsoever to change your child.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Parents often think they can control their children’s choices, but true influence comes from humility and partnership, not domination.
In simple terms: Parents can’t force change; they must model love and guidance.
Key Takeaway
Adopt humility, guide, don’t dominate.
Themes
parenting
humility
influence
authority
relationships
Mood
reflective
hopeful
serious
Type
advice
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- family meals
- parent‑child counseling
- faith‑based mentoring
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
spirituality
psychology
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you model values without coercion?
- What does humility look like in daily parenting?
A Different Perspective
Assuming total control can damage trust and autonomy.