Jim Daly

Daly Focus Blog

FOTF logo
  • Home
  • Family & Home
  • Current Events
  • Focus News
  • About

How This Dad Made Sure His 12 Kids Paid for College Themselves

 Francis L. Thompson and his wife managed to raise 12 children who not only all have college degrees, but who paid for their education themselves.

Most importantly, their children, ages 22 to 37, all share their parents’ values: self-respect, gratitude and a desire to give back to society.

In a recent article, Thompson shares how he and his wife accomplished such a feat. He provides a lengthy list of things he considers they “did right.” You might not agree with every single item he includes, but you’ll probably think his advice is good food for thought. I hope you’ll click through and read the entire piece.

As you go through his article, you can’t help but be struck by the fact that a few themes jump out again and again.

1. From an early age, Thompson and his wife expected much of their kids.

The expectations they placed on them were age-appropriate and not burdensome, but the Thompsons certainly didn’t let their kids coast through life on a steady diet of video games, TV and a “mom does everything for me” attitude. Rather, they empowered their children with knowledge and prompted them to take personal responsibility.

2. The Thompsons created an atmosphere that facilitated learning.

This involved giving grace when a child made a mistake. It involved placing boundaries on how the kids spent their time. The Thompsons also provided information and resources to help their children go out and do things for themselves, instead of stepping in to directly help at every turn.

3. The couple made their children live out their values.

For example, they fostered a sense of camaraderie by having the older children help their younger siblings with homework. They helped their boys and girls see the importance of “giving back” by requiring them to perform community service.

 Thompson and his wife, who have been married for 40 years, have also given their kids the gift of their marriage. He writes, “I attribute the love between us as a part of our success with the children. They see a stable home life with a commitment that does not have compromises.”

Obviously, there is no set blueprint for success. Things sometimes happen that are beyond our control. Sometimes great parents have kids who, unfortunately, make poor choices and suffer the consequences.

However, I do think the “big idea” behind Thompson’s article is spot-on: as parents, we’re not called to be our kids’ best friends. Rather, we’re called to instruct them and guide them – and to raise them to know Jesus Christ.

So for all of you who fret over saying no or pushing your kids a bit, be encouraged. Your children might not appreciate what you do today, but the day will likely come when they look at you and say, “Thank you.”

Sign up for my weekly e-newsletter

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, finances, kids, parenting February 12, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Related Posts

  • Trusting God That Hope Is on the Way
  • Fun Ways to Instill Virtue in Your Children
  • TriumphantAccepting My True Identity in Christ

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Jim-Daly President of Focus on the Family
Jim Daly
with Paul Batura

Posts by Jim

Be Mindful of the Time

Unhappy couple

Misunderstanding in Marriage

My Passion for the Harvest

Topics

  • Current Events
  • Family and Home
  • Focus Events
  • Uncategorized

Daly Focus

Jim-Daly Jim Daly is a husband, father and President of Focus on the Family and host of its National Radio Hall of Fame broadcast. His blog, Daly Focus, is full of timely commentary and wisdom designed to help you navigate and understand today’s culture. His latest book is Marriage Done Right.

Jim Daly Blog

Home
About
Posting Guidelines
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
FAQs

Connect with Me

Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
RSS