460. What are the duties of parents toward their children? (part 3 continuation)

460. What are the duties of parents toward their children? (part 3 continuation) 

(Comp 460 repetition) Parents, in virtue of their participation in the fatherhood of God, have the first responsibility for the education of their children and they are the first heralds of the faith for them. They have the duty to love and respect their children as persons and as children of God and to provide, as far as is possible, for their physical and spiritual needs. They should select for them a suitable school and help them with prudent counsel in the choice of their profession and their state of life. In particular they have the mission of educating their children in the Christian faith.

“In brief”

(CCC 2253) Parents should respect and encourage their children's vocations. They should remember and teach that the first calling of the Christian is to follow Jesus.

To deepen and explain

(CCC 2228) Parents' respect and affection are expressed by the care and attention they devote to bringing up their young children and providing for their physical and spiritual needs. As the children grow up, the same respect and devotion lead parents to educate them in the right use of their reason and freedom. (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. 

Reflection

(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. (CCC 2231) Some forgo marriage in order to care for their parents or brothers and sisters, to give themselves more completely to a profession, or to serve other honorable ends. They can contribute greatly to the good of the human family. [END]

(Next question: How are parents to educate their children in the Christian faith?)