Raising Brothers and Sisters

One of my favorite authors on both marriage and family is Doug Wilson.  I use his book, Reforming Marriage, for all of my pre-marital and marriage counseling.  The reason is simple, he does not write a how-to type of book, but rather, a how-come type of book.  The difference is huge because the how-come will ultimately inform the how-to.  In other words, he gives the theological, philosophical foundation from which what we do or do not do builds.  He writes consistently over at his blog and covers a huge range of subjects.

On Monday he posted a great article on raising brothers and sisters, with a heavy emphasis upon the brother. For anyone raising sons this is a must read and one that should be carefully thought over.  Fortunately he makes this easy to do by writing in such a pleasant manner that makes you almost taste his words.  Here are a couple of take-away quotes:

“Boys should be taught that they are to protect their sisters “from the dragon,” and the very first thing this means is that they must refrain from turning into the dragon themselves.”

“There are many marriage problems that began as untended squabbles between siblings.”

“Feed a boy with respect (from parents and sisters) and you will find that this makes him less boastful, not more. And the more he is respected for standing straight, the straighter he will stand.”

Go read this great little article, chew on it, then read it again.  Husbands and wives, talk about this, think it through and make a plan of attack within your own home.