“Normal” / Worldly Parenting                  Character-Focused Parenting






Focuses on me                                                     Focuses on Christ and others                






Teaches self-indulgence                                       Teaches selflessness






Teaches immediate gratification                          Teaches longsuffering






Focuses on frivolities                                       Focuses on things of eternal value






Desires to make children happy & comfortable        Desires to help children learn to deny themselves






Raises children in a materialistic lifestyle            Raises children in a selfless, giving lifestyle






Teaches that others are lower than we are         Teaches that others should always be first






Teaches self-sufficiency                           Teaches that without God, each of us is nothing






Attempts to make child happy                  Helps children learn contentment in all things






Lives for the next thrill                                        Sees thrills and fun as rewards for hard work and service






Teaches minimalism in work and service              Taught to give all—maximum living, work, & service






Encourage children to declare personal rights  Encourage children to realize all belongs to God—        
   and ownership                                                 and we are called to give to others