Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

As children grow older, their parents, especially dads, need to be preparing them for the roles they'll play as adults. Today on Home School Heartbeat, Michael Farris, Chairman and General Counsel of Home School Legal Defense Association, challenges dads to lay a careful foundation with their young people in the areas of citizenship and marriage.

Michael Farris:

Two areas which distinguish children from adults are the responsibilities of citizenship and marriage.

Preparation for marriage is extremely critical. Part of this preparation is learning to manage the household and perform household duties. Your sons aren't exempt from this preparation either, dads. In addition, I believe that we need to begin discussing at a very early age with our children the qualities that they need to look for in a life partner. In my mind, it isn't enough just to marry a Christian; that's the rock-bottom basic requirement. Potential partners must also have a common vision of family life and ministry. I want my kids to understand what makes a successful marriage and family.

We also need to prepare our children for responsible and active citizenship. Our kids need to understand voting and they need to know how the political process works. Take your children to see your city council or state government in action. Go listen to a political candidate speak. Read the newspaper aloud and discuss the issues of the day with your children. Citizenship is best learned by doing, and dads, you must make sure your kids are among the doers who will someday lead America. This is Michael Farris.