Bringing Up Boys: "The Ultimate Priority"

This is our final chapter in Bringing Up Boys by Dr. James Dobson.

Click here to see the last few chapters.

I decided to end the final chapter with my favorite quotes.  Dr. Dobson always says it best.  He is a husband, a father, and a man of God and I respect him in so many ways.

"Our objective as moms and dads is to transform our sons from immature and flighty youngsters into honest, caring men who will be respectful of women, loyal and faithful in marriage, keepers of commitments, strong and decisive leaders, good workers and men who are secure in their masculinity.  It's a tall order but one that can be achieved with wisdom and guidance from the Father."

"America's love affair with materialism has taken its toll on the things that matter most."

"It is my conviction that those who choose to bring a child into the world must give that boy or girl highest priority for a period of time.  In a very short time, they will be grown up and on their own."

"Yet we have failed them in the most important of all parental responsibilities: We have not taught them who they are as children of God or what they have been placed here to do."

"The first Scripture our children should learn is, "God is love" (1 John 4:8...so thankful for Awana!)  They should be taught to thank Him before eating their food and to ask for His help when they are hurt or scared."

 "The only way you can be with your precious child in the next life is to introduce them to Jesus Christ and His teachings, hopefully when they are young and impressionable.  This is Task Number One in child-rearing."

"Most important, knowing that you led your children to the Lord and will be with them in eternity will outrank every other achievement." 

"Children get their values and beliefs from what they see modeled at home.  It is one reason why moms and dads must live a morally consistent life in front of their kids....they can't afford to be casual or whimsical about the things they believe."

"The data shows that if a person does not accept Jesus Christ as Savior before the age of fourteen, the likelihood of ever doing so is slim." 

"My prayers will be with you as you discharge your God-given responsibility.  Cherish every moment of it.  And hug your kids while you can." 

This book has meant the world to me.  I'm so thankful I took the time to not only read it, but study it.  I learned so much as a parent.  I have so much more to learn, but Lord I am willing.  I want God to teach me and mold me into the Mom that Mark and Julia need most.  And I want to be consistent in front of my kids in my faith and in my walk with the Lord.  I want them to see that they are my Ulitmate Priority.  I cherish these years that I have had home with them.