Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 372 – Part V.

YOUCAT Question n. 372 – Part V. How do parents respect their children?

(Youcat answer - repeated) God entrusted children to parents so that they might be steady, righteous examples for those children, that they might love and respect them and do everything possible so that their children can develop physically and spiritually.   

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2229) As those first responsible for the education of their children, parents have the right to choose a school for them which corresponds to their own convictions. This right is fundamental. As far as possible parents have the duty of choosing schools that will best help them in their task as Christian educators (Cf. GE 6). Public authorities have the duty of guaranteeing this parental right and of ensuring the concrete conditions for its exercise.     

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) Children are a gift from God and not the property of the parents. Before they are their parents’ children, they are God’s children. The primary duty of parents is to present to their children the Good News and to communicate the Christian faith to them.   

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 2230) When they become adults, children have the right and duty to choose their profession and state of life. They should assume their new responsibilities within a trusting relationship with their parents, willingly asking and receiving their advice and counsel. Parents should be careful not to exert pressure on their children either in the choice of a profession or in that of a spouse. This necessary restraint does not prevent them - quite the contrary - from giving their children judicious advice, particularly when they are planning to start a family.    

(The next question is: How should a family live its faith together?)