Our children are not really our children: They are God’s children, and he has given us parents the privilege of raising them up to do His work for the kingdom. Our children are our brothers and sisters in Christ, equal to us in dignity. As such, parents have certain duties and responsibilities toward their children.
Some of these are pretty obvious. Of course, we need to keep them physically safe, healthy, fed and clothed, and so on. But what else are Christian parents called to do? We know that the Fourth Commandment enjoins children to honor their parents. Yet the duties of parents toward children are not always as clear.
Fortunately, the Catechism of the Catholic Church has beautifully described the responsibilities parents have toward the souls entrusted to their care. Reflecting on these 5 duties can help parents better understand their vocation and sacred mission.
