First, stress God's word. The study of the Bible should be the foundation of their study, and be a starting point of all of their course work. High school subjects like math, science, literature; end even things such as debate can easily be drawn from the resources of the Bible. The key things to teach here are an overall understanding of the Bible and how it fits together, basics of theology, and apologetics. If your son or daughter plans to go to college, we really suggest apologetics so that they may be able to stand firm in their faith in a very hostile environment to Christianity.

Next to the Bible we suggest financial management.(I bet you thought we'd say math) We do not mean Wall Street stuff so much, but being a good steward of your finances. For this we highly suggest Crown Ministries material and Dave Ramsey's material. This topic is of extreme importance for sons and daughters. Out of God's word come many pitfalls and blessings from the proper handling of finances and debt. Today's society is wallowing in these pitfalls and the United States is swimming in personal debt. We have seen many lives blessed in learning to let the Jones' do as they will and live your life as a good steward.

Next we suggest you focus on career and college prep courses. Be careful here, and really look to your child and God's word. Many people seek God's will for their life, but miss the obvious will given in God's word. Most women will become wives and mothers, and most men will become husbands and fathers. While much of what they learn might be by example, we believe you should help prepare them for these family careers. Teach them the biblical principle of being married and having children. Teach your daughters how to work in the home, and your sons how to earn a living.

Another element we suggest is you teach your children to earn a living. While preparing a child to go to college and get a job is good, it might not be the best. Having been in industry for many years I can see many people who are disillusioned. Jobs are not secure today, and many families find their lives in turmoil due to the single source of income. So when we say teach them to earn a living, we mean just that. A friend whose son is a junior in business school suggested his son get true management experience. Instead of joining a local company, which has a decent management training program, he suggested his son start a lawn care company. He told him that he wanted it done right:  invoices, marketing, etc. He agreed to be the first customer. While his son might or might not succeed in this venture, he will learn a great deal about business and earning a living.

While teaching entrepreneurship in the executive IEM program at UAB, I have seen many people develop a confidence they had never had before. While they might not leave their corporate job, they often develop a since of peace knowing they could go it alone or join a smaller company if things went bad in the corporate job. This is well worth the education - since so many people in America today feel trapped in their job.

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