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November, 2001

Effective parent leaders look at their children and picture them 20 years from now, as grown men and women with job and family responsibilities of their own. They seem to understand a truth of life: Children will tend to grow up to our expectations or down to them. So, these parent leaders set high ideals for their children's later lives. They think of their children's future along these lines:

• The children will have excellent judgment, especially in the choice of a spouse and the upbringing of their own children.
• They will center their lives in a stable, permanent, happy marriage - raising a great family like the one they grew up in.
• They will succeed in their careers, whatever these may be - doing work they enjoy, putting their powers up against problems for the welfare of others.
• They'll be able to support their families comfortably but not luxuriously, for a life of excess, they know, may destroy their children (the parents' grandchildren).
• They will be generous to friends and those in need.
• They will never live as quitters, slackers, whiners, or cowards - nor will they let their own children live this way.
• They will be nobody's fool or pushover. They will not be swayed by charlatans. They will know malarkey when they see it.
• When they've done wrong, they'll face the truth and apologize. They will not let their pride stand in the way of truth and justice, especially in family life.
• They will be esteemed by all who know them for their honesty, integrity, hard work, generosity, religious commitment, and good humor.
• They will remain close to their brothers and sisters for life, giving and receiving encouragement and support.
• They will live by their parents' principles. They'll have a conscience for life - the voice of their parents' lessons of right and wrong - and they'll pass these lessons on to their own children.
• They will take their religious faith seriously and practice it joyfully. They will strive to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.
• Their whole lives will be moved by love - the willingness to endure and overcome anything for the welfare and happiness of others, starting with their family and culminating in their love for God.

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