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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…” quote by Jay E. Adams
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““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.””

Jay E. Adams

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.

Key Takeaway

Teach responsibility through guided choice.

Themes

parenting faith responsibility

Mood

thoughtful supportive

Type

parental spiritual

When to use this quote

  • family meetings
  • school decisions
  • career choices
  • ethical dilemmas

Key Concepts

decision‑making spiritual guidance discipline

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can parents balance guidance with freedom?
  • What consequences teach responsibility best?
A Different Perspective

Parents must respect autonomy while maintaining authority.

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