Parenting Toward The - Kingdom Orthodox Principles Of Childrearing

In a culture that often views children as projects to be optimized or obstacles to personal freedom, Orthodox Christianity offers a radically different vision. Parenting, from an Orthodox perspective, is not primarily about raising "successful" adults by worldly standards. It is the primary path to one’s own salvation and a sacred apprenticeship in the Kingdom of God.

The word "asceticism" often sounds harsh, but it simply means training or discipline . In a world of instant gratification, Orthodox parenting encourages small, loving denials. This doesn't mean harsh deprivation, but teaching a child to say “no” to a third cookie, “later” to a screen, or “thank you” for a simple gift. These tiny acts build nepsis (watchfulness)—the ability to choose the good over the easy. In a culture that often views children as

Raising Saints: An Introduction to Orthodox Christian Principles of Childrearing The word "asceticism" often sounds harsh, but it