ApprehendingTruth.net
Twelve Rules for Raising Delinquent Children
1 Begin with infancy to give the child everything he wants. In this way he will grow up to believe the world owes him a living.
2 When he picks up bad words and mannerisms, laugh at him. This will make him think he’s cute. It will also encourage him to pick up ‘cuter’ phrases and adopt conduct that will stagger you later.
3 Never give him any spiritual training or require accountability to God. Wait till he is 21 and then let him ‘decide for himself.’
4 Avoid use of the word ‘wrong’ and avoid shame and conviction at all costs. It may develop a guilt complex. Don’t thus limit his creativity by restricting his actions. This will condition him to believe later, when he is arrested for stealing a car, that society is against him and he is being persecuted.
5 Pick up everything he leaves lying around – books, shoes, and clothing. Avoid holding him accountable for himself and do everything for him so he will be experienced in throwing all responsibility onto others.
6 Let him read any printed matter and listen to anything he can get his hands on, or that his ‘friends’ can supply. Don’t invade his privacy by concerning yourself with what is on his computer or his ipod. Be careful that the silverware and drinking glasses are sterilized, but let his mind feast on garbage.
7 Quarrel frequently in the presence of your children. In this way they will not be too shocked when the home is broken up later.
8 Give a child all the spending money he wants. Never let him earn his own. Why should he have things as tough as YOU had them?
9 Satisfy his every craving for food, drink, and comfort. – See that every sensual desire is gratified. Denial may lead to harmful frustration.
10 Take his part against neighbors, teachers and policemen. They are all prejudiced against your child.
11 When he gets into real trouble, apologize for yourself by saying ‘I never could do anything with him.’ Or absolve yourself of responsibility by saying ‘Why is he like this, I didn’t raise him that way’.
12 Allow him to choose his own friends and never criticize them even for the worst of transgressions. This will only lead to low self-esteem. Be your child’s friend and not a control freak so that he will ‘love’ you and not resent you for acting like a parent.
Prepare for a life of grief. You will be apt to have it.
“Twelve Rules for Raising Delinquent Children” drawn up by the police department of Houston, Texas; as quoted in The Christian Family, Larry Christenson; pg. 88; 1970. [some editing and additions by jlw.]
The only remedy for a rebellious child is crucifixion.
