Paul addresses fathers (pateres) as being heads of their families. The term could mean parents in general (Col 3:21). Above all else, he warns fathers against goading their children into a state of perpetual resentment (parorgizete, cf. Eph 4:26). He is not thinking of extreme instances like disinheritance, but the everyday tensions of family life. Fathers must not make unreasonable demands. Otherwise children, being overcorrected, may lose heart (Col 3:21). Children are a heritage from the Lord;