Ride 'em hard. HARD. Speak adult English to them from the time they open their eyes. Teach 'em to read using phonics. Tell them stories that mean something - stories of integrity & sacrifice, stories of right & wrong. Make 'em say "sir" & "ma'am." Punish lies harshly, so they know what they are. Be sure they know you love them, because in their eyes you model God, and they will spend their whole lives trying to reconcile whatever differences they see between you & Him. Have an open hand, because God is generous, but tell them that the world will give them nothing. Make sure they know that love is the willingness to place the welfare of the beloved above one's own welfare. Hold them every chance you get. Breathe their breath and let them breathe yours. Be a refuge. Build a treehouse, but make sure that you are their favorite hideout. Love your wife and let your kids see it. Praise God, and let them see you do it. Remember that whether the old Master called you into service or not, He expects you to raise up His servants in the next generation. Remember that however fast the time has flown from your high school prom to today, the time with your children will fly faster. Make it count. Make every minute of it count.
edited for spelling