A father and mother’s jurisdiction ends when they transfer authority in marriage or when they release an adult son or daughter for training, work, or ministry. Before this transfer takes place, a measure of independence should be earned as the young person learns to discern and obey the guidance of the Lord. When parents are confident that their son or daughter will do the right thing, they should give more freedom to make decisions.

Even after the parents release their son or daughter into adulthood, the parents’ counsel should be sought and carefully considered. Scripture warns us to value the instructions of our parents and not to forsake the counsel of parents when they are old. (See Proverbs 6:20–24 and 23:22.)

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