The St. Tikhon Of Zadonsk. (№ 408511)

Parents need to pray to God for their children, so that He Himself teaches them His fear and wisdom for salvation. Examples of good deeds need to be shown to them in themselves. Young people, and people of all ages, are better instructed by a good life than by word. For children especially imitate the life of their parents, that they notice in them, then they themselves do, good or bad, what they see. Therefore, parents themselves need to beware of temptations and set an example of a virtuous life to their children if they want to instruct them in virtue. Otherwise they will not succeed in anything. For children look more at the life of their parents and reflect it in their young souls than listen to their words. The word of every mentor, combined with life, is a worthy and powerful instruction: all the more the instruction of parents.