Chapter 4: Tying Strings

Ephesians 6:4 says, "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."  This chapter is about the bonds or "strings" that members of a family share: love, respect, honor; and what to do if those strings get cut.  "Parent, if you are having problems with your children, you can be certain that you are not alone.  Your children are also having problems with you.  Since you are the more experienced of the two, and since God didn't say, "Children, train up your parents," the responsibility for making a significant change is completely yours."  -Michael Pearl.   If you feel the strings of fellowship with your child has been cut, first humble yourself and ask their forgiveness, than Pearl suggests a few things: Look at your children with pleasure and smile at them, enjoy their company and demonstrate it by inviting them to go with you when the only reson is a desire to have them with you, sit on the floor and play, take them on outings of adventure, let them lead you out to the yard to show off their latest stunt, build something together.  Mothers, teach your children to do everything that must be done in the house and make it fun. Fathers, involve your sons in the manly role of protector and provider and brag on their achievements.