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Devotionals by Dr. James Dobson

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Middle Ground

Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning.
Proverbs 10:13

Some mothers and fathers favor an authoritarian style of parenting for their families, while others tend toward a permissive approach. We encourage you to be wary of both extremes. In an oppressive home, a child suffers the humiliation of total domination. The atmosphere is icy and rigid, and he lives in constant fear. He is unable to make his own decisions, and his personality is squelched beneath the hobnailed boot of parental authority. Parents who employ this method at home might want to reread Ephesians 6:4: “Fathers, do not exasperate your children.”

On the other hand, the child who is given no adult leadership believes the world revolves around him. He often has utter contempt and disrespect for those closest to him; he rebels regularly against his parents. Anarchy and chaos reign in his home. His mother is often the most frazzled and frustrated woman on her block. These parents would do well to embrace this passage from Scripture: “Discipline your son, and he will give you peace” (Proverbs 29:17).

The healthiest approach to child-rearing is found in the middle ground between these disciplinary extremes. Your sons and daughters will thrive in an environment where love and control are present in nearly equal proportions. If a house is built by wisdom (Proverbs 24:3), then a harmonious home is built by the consistent, balanced, and godly attitudes of parents. 

Before you say good night…

  • Is your parenting style more authoritative or permissive?
  • Do you need to change to a more balanced approach?

Heavenly Father, grant us wisdom! We confess to making mistakes in the way we raise our children. Help us to achieve the right balance of love and leadership that You desire for our family each day. Amen.

Listen to today's broadcast of Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk at OnePlace.com.  For more from Dr. Dobson, visit the resource center at drjamesdobson.org.

This devotional is taken from Night Light for Parents. Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

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About Family Talk Videos

Family Talk is a Christian non-profit organization located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the ministry promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child-development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served millions of families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books and other resources available on demand via its website, mobile apps, and social media platforms.


The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI) is a Christian non-profit ministry located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded initially as Family Talk in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the organization promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books, and other resources available on demand via their website, mobile apps, and social media platforms. In 2017, the ministry rebranded under JDFI to expand its four core ministry divisions consisting of the Family Talk radio broadcast, the Dobson Policy and Education Centers, and the Dobson Digital Library.


Dr. Dobson's flagship broadcast called, “Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk," is aired on more than 1,500 terrestrial radio outlets and numerous digital channels that reach millions each month.

About Dr. James Dobson

Dr. James Dobson is the Founder Chairman of the James Dobson Family Institute, a nonprofit organization that produces his radio program, “Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk.” He has an earned Ph.D. from the University of Southern California and holds 18 honorary doctoral degrees. He is the author of more than 70 books dedicated to the preservation of the family including, The New Dare to Discipline, Love for a Lifetime, Life on the Edge, Love Must Be Tough, The New Strong-Willed Child, When God Doesn't Make Sense, Bringing Up Boys, Bringing Up Girls, and, most recently, Your Legacy: The Greatest Gift. Dr. Dobson served as an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine for 14 years and on the attending staff of Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles for 17 years in the divisions of Child Development and Medical Genetics. He has advised five U.S. presidents and served on eight national commissions. Dr. Dobson has been married to Shirley for 64 years, and they have two grown children, Danae and Ryan, and two grandchildren.

Contact Family Talk Videos with Dr. James Dobson

Mailing Address
540 Elkton Drive
Suite 201
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Phone Number
877.732.6825