Many parents bring their children spiritual harm by demonstrating their love for them in an inappropriate manner. For example, out of an excessive human love for her child, a mother may hug and kiss him, and say to him, "O what a wonderful child you are," or "You are the best little boy in the world," etc. As a result, from a very early age (while he is still unable to comprehend or object to the meaning of those words), the little one acquires a high opinion of himself, thinking of himself as the best and brightest. Naturally, for that same reason, he will not sense a need for God's grace, and will not know to ask God for help. Thus, from early childhood, the child will have a high opinion of himself that is rock-solid, one that he will never be able to overcome and will take with him to the grave. Moreover, the first to suffer from this haughtiness are the parents themselves. Really, will children quietly sit and listen to parental instructions when they are certain that they are the best, that they know everything? For this reason, parents should be very attentive to their children's spiritual development; they bear responsibility not only for themselves, but for their children as well.

Athonite Elder Paisios