The Purpose of Parents

[InChrist]

So today I was in another argument with my dad. His room is a tip, it's truly filthy and messy in there, but as a child I was taught to be tidy and clean. He says he doesn't know what the problem is and I ended up screaming at him that parents are meant to be virtuous and moral and have a good influence on their kids. Why is it alright for parents to say 'do this' and not do it themselves?

Then I've come to realise that perhaps modern society doesn't see it this way.

We seem to think that virtue is something one learns just from being alive, or from school, or others. Whereas for me, I think it's the prime purpose of a parent to be good and to teach virtue to their kids. Whether that's in the form of religion, other ethics etc. We in the West now seem to have this blasé attitude of 'Let the kids figure it out', and I've come to realise this seriously has not worked.

So what in your opinion is the purpose of a parent, other than to feed and clothe their kids? How far should their teaching go? We read in various scriptures things about how to relate to children and parents and it's full of virtue and religion.

Nowadays I hear 'Teaching your kids to be religious is brainwashing them!' and I disagree. I wish someone had taught me religion.

I put this in General Debates because I'm thinking beyond religion here, and more about hypocritical parents in general.

I was taught religion while growing up. We went to the Catholic Church every Sunday, yet my dad was an absentee father the rest of week with work or his numerous affairs with other women. My mom tried and did hold the family together the best she could. What I wish is that I had parents who taught me about a real, personal God and His love. Sadly, too many parents fall short, as we all do, and don’t measure up to the ideal.
Thankfully, I found out I have an incredibly loving Father in heaven who is always there with love and guidance. And I’m glad my life changed while my kids were young.
The situation with your father doesn’t sound like it’s a healthy environment for you. I would suggest seeking God, turning to Him as your Father and asking for wisdom and direction on how to get a job, more income or an opportunity for a different living situation or greater wisdom in dealing with your dad. Then see wait and what opportunities, new thoughts or doors open.
Just my thoughts.