Proverbs22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. KJV
A woman walked out of her marriage for reasons that held no water. The elders appealed to her to reconsider her decision and her husband begged her but she refused. It was glaring to everyone that her excuses were flimsy because her life was not threatened. She just wanted to be free after four kids. She left her husband with a five month old baby. All her vituperations were seen by the older kids and they knew something was wrong between dad and mom. Her husband, though a busy man had to raise 4 kids( 3 girls and a boy) all alone. This woman didn't give room for reconciliation.
Later, she remarried but her first husband remained single. He provided all they needed but didn't have their time. Their only son became bitter towards her mother. In the process of time, this young boy had become wild and stubborn. On one occasion, he was found with Indian hemp while one of her sister had become sexually immoral. When their father caught wind of what was happening, he felt bad. He emphasized on how he provided all they needed. Unfortunately, providing for his children wasn't enough. Those children lacked motherly care and fatherly attention.
If we want to raise wholesome children, they need our time and attention. While some couples are still together, they don't have time for their children. They're caught in the web of this ever-busy world pursuing mundane things.They want to build great career but not godly children. They monitor their children with phones and electronic gadgets. Digital parenting cannot replace your physical presence. It is not enough to provide all that money can buy for your children, they need you. Your presence around them is priceless. I know a woman in her forties who told us her mother wasn't there for her when she needed her most. She abandoned her and siblings and eloped with another man. Ministry engagements isn't an excuse to starve your family of attention. Your home is your first ministry. If you fail there, you've failed woefully in life even if you're successful in other areas. The increase in juvenile delinquency is a pointer to deficient parenting. Seeing children and teenagers living a wayward life shows the home is under siege by the enemy. You need to re order your priorities and make your family number one.
Father, may I not fail as a parent in Jesus name.