What kind of relationship does God want parents and children to have?

Exodus 20:12“Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”

Proverbs 22:6Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

Ephesians 6:1-4Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. . . . Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

Parents are God’s shepherds for their children, commissioned to guide them, nurture them, care for them, clothe them, feed them, and help them come to know the Lord. No parents are perfect and no parents will do everything right, but they should attempt to be godly parents and do their best. Children, in turn, are to obey their parents and honor them.