It was the ancient custom of our forebears that whenever a father wished to criticize the mother, or the mother and father, they would wait until the children had fallen asleep before addressing the matter. Yet today, parents exchange harsh and hurtful words openly in front of their children. As a consequence, children grow up without the proper respect for their parents that they ought to have — for they have witnessed such conduct with their own eyes.
Gentle correction and mutual reminders between spouses are entirely acceptable. However, serious disputes and weighty matters must never be allowed to reach the ears of the children. To do otherwise is to undermine parental authority and to forfeit the respect one is due.
April 18th, 2018
