Parenting Quote by Jay E. Adams
““The parent may find it helpful to say something like this: John, I’m going to trust you to make your own decision about this matter before God. But I want you to do so responsibly. First, I want you to sit down and listen to my point of view as I understand the application of the Scriptures to the question, and I want to explain the consequences of this proposed action as I see them. After that I want you to take a week to think and pray about this matter before coming to a final decision (in a very important matter, or in the first instance of instituting self-discipline, the parent may also wish to request written reasons for the decision). Then after you have made it, I’ll say no more-but you must be prepared to face the consequences.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Parenting with Grace, 1995
He advises parents to trust children’s decisions, provide guidance, and allow time for prayerful reflection before final choices, emphasizing responsibility and consequences.
In simple terms: Guide children, let them decide, accept outcomes.
Teach responsibility through guided choice.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- family meetings
- school decisions
- career choices
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can parents balance guidance with freedom?
- What consequences teach responsibility best?
Parents must respect autonomy while maintaining authority.