Bringing up Boys – James Dobson

Raising children who have been loaned to us for a brief moment outranks every other responsibility

Our most important goal in life: knowing that you led your children to the Lord and that you and your wife will be with them in eternity. This will outrank every other achievement.

If character training is a primary goal of parenting, then the best way to instill it is through the demeanor and behavior of the father.

Your kids need to see you doing what is right, even when it is inconvenient to do so.

Things emphasized during childhood often stay with a person throughout life, even if they haven’t appeared to stick at the time.

Mothers make boys. Fathers make men.

Rules without relationship lead to rebellion.

Self-discipline in boys is a worthwhile goal, but it rarely develops on its own initiative. It must be taught.

Paying a child when he is asked to invest ‘sweat equity’ is not only fair, it aquaints him with the connection between effort and reward.

Americas love affair with materialism has taken its toll on the things that matter most.

Practice the "First 5 Minutes". The first 5 minutes occurring between people sets the tone for everything that is to follow.

For example, a public speaker is given very few moments to convince his audience that he really does have something worthwhile to say. This simple principle relates to family members as well. The first five minutes of the morning might determine how a mother will interact with her children on that day. It concerns the sheer power of words.

The 8 most important questions in life:

Who am I as a person?

How did I get here?

Is there a right or wrong way to believe and act?

Is there a God, and if so, what does He expect of me?

Is there life after death?

How do I achieve eternal life, if it exists?

Will I someday be held accountable for the way I have lived on earth?

What is the meaning of life and death?