"While parental authority is not absolute, our problem in American culture is not knee-jerk obedience to parents but a lack of respect for parents and our elders in general. We consider it a given that teenagers rebel. They do sometimes. I pray mine won't, but who knows? But let's not assume it must happen or that it is good when it does. Independence, learning to think for oneself, trying and failing sometimes - these are steps toward adulthood. But stubbornness, rebellion, and disobedience need not be.

It's not the right of American children to break the Fifth Commandment, no matter what their friends or hormones tell them. Never before has our cultural ethos done more to allow for and encourage youthful immaturity. Kids are coddled and thier preferences catered to, in the home and in the society at large. Contrary to the fears of some, most households are less patriarchy and more kindergarchy.

Sadly, with the reign of youth-ism comes a disrespect for older generations. Instead of thinking, 'This person is older and probably has something to teach me that I don't know yet,' we figure, 'This person is old and out of date and funny looking and weak and is best ignored.' Older folks deserve better, especially Mom and Dad. Even into old age we must honor our parents." - Kevin DeYoung. The Good News We Almost Forgot. 185-186.

Question 104: What is God's will for you in the Fifth Commandment? 

Answer: That I honor, love, and be loyal to my father and mother and all those in authority over me; that I obey and submit to them, as is proper, when they correct and punish me; and also that I be patient with their failings - for through them God chooses to rule over us.