It doesn't have to be chance. There are six major sources of influence on children. All six must be protected from bad influences and have positive influences. If the guard is let down on any one then there's a door for problems. The six? Family, church, school, friends, media, and extended family. We used this approach and never had a day's problem with any of our children. There were "costs". No playing with loose neighborhood kids. Private Christain schools or home schooled. No solo visits to unsaved grandparents until teen years. Careful monitoring of songs and media. Attendance at churches that really believe the Bible. Live right in front of your children and love them. I don't believe it's chance, but ignorance, lack of desire, lack of discipline, or unwillingness.
With deep regret, I must respectfully disagree with you.
I was friends with the most G-rated family you will ever know. Parents were pastors, children were home schooled. A cloistered and safe environment. No internet, no broadcast television; their enterntainment was positive and parent controlled (carefully chosen DVD’s and the like). Think of The Walton’s without all the craziness.
Long story short....One of the kids (out of six) busted out completely. He is no longer with us, due to substance abuse.
One of the other kids is....well, missing. He took a powder after age 18 and his parents have never heard from him since. It’s been over 40 years, so I doubt his elderly parents will ever know what happened to him.
On a rather odd note, not a single one of the remaining 4 children has produced even one grandchild, even though they are all happily married. Go figure.
This pastoral couple is now in their near 80’s and they don’t have one grandchild. Strange.
I congratulate you on your very good fortune. But please don’t make the mistake of assuming that rolling down that “To Do” list is going to get you to the finish line. Sometimes, we parents have to be blessed. And it sounds like you have been.
My sympathies to the Koppel family.
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I agree with the six influences.
Along with prayer. PRAY for your kids, too.
Stormie Omartian has a book, “The Power of a Praying Parent”
more info,
http://www.stormieomartian.com/bookstore.html