It says in the book of Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” The scripture verse is obviously emphasizing the importance of early formation in the life of a young person. 

Many years ago I saw this little tract in a Christian magazine. It’s entitled How to Raise a Rotten Son. Here’s how it goes:

1. Begin from infancy to give the child everything he wants. This way he will grow up to believe that the world owes him everything.
2. When he picks up bad words, laugh at him. It will encourage him to pick up “stronger” phrases.
3. Never give him any spiritual training. Wait until he is twenty-one and then let him decide about faith for himself. He most likely will go along through life without a thought about God.
4. Avoid the use of the word “wrong”. It may develop a guilt complex. This will condition him to believe later that he is unaccountable for his wrongdoings.
5. Pick up anything he leaves lying around – books, shoes, clothing. Do everything for him so he will be experienced in handing the responsibility onto others.
6. Let him read and view any videos, music or images he can get his hands on without any guidance in the use of social media. He most likely will live without any discernment regarding what is garbage.
7. Quarrel frequently in his presence. He will learn that aggression is an important thing in relationships.
8. Give your son all the spending money he wants. Never let him earn his own. He most likely will never learn the value of hard work and responsibility. 
9. Satisfy his every craving for food, drink and comfort. See that every desire is gratified. You may well be raising a lazy glutton.
10. Take his part against the neighbors, teachers and policemen. Tell him they are all prejudiced against your child. All authority in the future will be viewed as enemies.  

Parenting is a grave responsibility. Keep working at it. Remember it is the primary responsibility of parents to educate their children in faith and morals. It is a gigantic disaster for parents to forfeit this responsibility. Work hard at it and you will never regret it. 

“Do all things out of love and nothing out of constraint.”