Elder Paisios on a Good Home
“Children will get more sensible and experienced with time. Right now they may not understand what is good because their mind has not yet matured. Their mind is cloudy and it lacks the clarity to discern the danger that lies ahead and the irreparable damage they can suffer. It would be good if the parents indicated to the child that they do get upset over unacceptable behaviour; but they mustn’t become overbearing…
It is essential to have an atmosphere of love and peace and home. If children receive a little love at home even it they should stray for a while, they will see that they can’t find love anywhere else, only hypocrisy, and they will return home. However, if they can only remember ugly scenes at home, arguments and enmity, how can they find the heart to go back?”
– ‘Family Life’