The 12 Rules of Life · How We Raise
Multigenerational
"We are committed to children and raising the next generation in the fear and instruction of the Lord."
How We Raise
Parenting Principles
"The sacred stewardship of shaping souls for God's glory and the world's good."
Children are not our property — they are arrows entrusted to us by God, to be sharpened and launched into the world for His purposes. The Slifka family approaches parenting not as a task to be managed but as a calling to be embraced with joy, intentionality, and deep dependence on God.
The 12 Codes of Multigenerational
1. Primary Disciple-Makers
Parents are the primary spiritual leaders of their children — not the church, not the school, not the culture. We take this responsibility with utmost seriousness.
"These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children."
— Deuteronomy 6:6–7
2. Unconditional Love
We love our children as the Father loves us — not based on performance, achievement, or behavior, but because they bear the image of God and are ours.
"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God."
— 1 John 3:1
3. Biblical Discipline
We correct with love, consistency, and a view toward heart transformation — not mere behavioral compliance. The goal is character, not conformity.
"Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him."
— Proverbs 13:24
4. Modeling Christ
We are the example we want our children to follow. Our children will do what we do far more than what we say. We live what we teach.
"Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."
— 1 Corinthians 11:1
5. Intentional Time
We prioritize quality and quantity time with each child. Presence is the most powerful gift a parent can give. We put down our phones and pick up our children.
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward."
— Psalm 127:3
6. Discovering Design
We help each child discover and develop their God-given gifts, personality, and calling. We do not clone ourselves — we cultivate who God made them to be.
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand."
— Ephesians 2:10
6. Teaching Truth
We ground our children in a biblical worldview so they can navigate a world that will challenge everything they believe. Truth is not relative — it is a Person.
"Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."
— John 17:17
6. Grace-Filled Home
We create an atmosphere where it is safe to fail and grow. Our home is a place of grace — not a performance stage. Failure is a teacher, not a verdict.
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
— Romans 8:1
6. Fostering Responsibility
We gradually transfer responsibility as maturity grows. We raise adults, not children. Independence is the goal of good parenting.
"When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways."
— 1 Corinthians 13:11
6. Guarding the Heart
We protect our children from harmful influences while preparing them for the world. We are not building a bubble — we are building a fortress of faith.
"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."
— Proverbs 4:23
6. Celebrating Milestones
We mark spiritual and physical growth with meaningful rites of passage. We celebrate who our children are becoming, not just what they have achieved.
"One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts."
— Psalm 145:4
6. Releasing to Calling
We launch adult children into their own God-ordained purpose with blessing, prayer, and confidence. The goal of parenting is not to keep — it is to release.
"Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them."
— Psalm 127:4–5