The Struggle to Raise Kids Who Follow Jesus

An on-going concern for most Christian parents is how to raise their children to love the Lord.  

Christian parents with teen-agers or adult children who have left the faith often have tremendous pain says Dr. Linda Mintle, a licensed family therapist and author of the book, "Raising Healthy Kids in An Unhealthy World."

In an interview with CBN News, she says that people often blame parents for their children's lack of faith but notes that kids have to make their faith their own and "a lot of things can pull you away."

Mintle encourages parents to be passionate about their faith and keep a strong emotional connection with their children at all stages of life.

For parents struggling with so-called "prodigal children" Mintle says "as a parent what I have to do is (ask) 'have I first of all trained my children?  Have I equipped my children?' Secondly, do I have this continuing relationship with my children where I can speak into their lives?  I'm emotionally connected to them, they have a secure attachment with me so that they feel free that they can bring up anything and then you have to recognize that that child has a will of his/her own and can make decisions that sometimes are bad decisions and lead them down the wrong path."

Mintle says parents should never give up hope for their children, continue to pray for them and ask forgiveness if needed.