Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk Interview With Mitch and Windsor Yellen

“Tough Love for Kids” Part 3

    Zach is currently in his Junior year back at Colorado State University.  He’s doing well at the school and loves the Lord, and his parents couldn’t be more proud of him.  Zach’s transformation was total and complete, and it wouldn’t have happened without the tough love from Mitch and Windsor, who chose to embrace the Biblical principle that a father who loves his son will discipline him (Hebrews 12:1-11, Proverbs 3:11, and others).  It wasn’t easy for the Yellens to turn Zach out on his own, but it was what he needed, and they responded in love when their “prodigal son” returned.  

Dr. James Dobson has pointed out the tradition of this principle, starting all the way back with Adam and Eve.  God did not abandon or stop loving them after their sin, but He did cast them out of the garden.  Sometimes it takes a little tough love and a time of wilderness for a rebellious child to realize the error of his ways, and Mitch and Windsor encourage other parents who are experiencing similar trials with their children to not give up in the difficult times.  Windsor also encourages parents to pray for God to give them a specific passage of scripture to pray over their children.  Windsor’s own scripture for Zach was Colossians 1:9, “And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (ESV).  

Prayer, fasting, and standing strong by your principles and not backing down to your rebellious child’s demands or wishes are essential in implementing Godly tough love.  Many times it will be very hard, like Mitch and Windsor’s emotional and heart-rending Thanksgiving and Christmas episodes; but if a child is going through crises with destructive behavior, then it takes a crisis--a casting out of the “garden”-- to get them out of it.

Mitch and Windsor Yellen continue to live in Colorado Springs with their youngest of five, Eli.  Mitch is currently growing his Pinery Enterprises wedding and event centers, as well as other business, financial and real estate ventures.