A Christian parent's major fear is an unbelieving child. We take steps (often the wrong ones) to "assure" his/her spiritual safety -- often with heart-breaking results. Here is a 2005 InternetMonk blog in which Michael advises a family whose middle-school son declares that he no longer believes in God:

A Prayer for Alex: What to do when your child says he doesn’t
believe any more.
January 15th, 2005 by Michael Spencer

A friend stopped in to ask me some questions about her 6th grade son’s
sudden announcement that he no longer believed in God or Jesus. Our time was
simply too short for a substantial answer, so I thought it would be a good topic
for an essay. Probably others are facing similar struggles with your own
children. There are thousands of “Alexes” out there, and thousands of agonized,
surprised parents. I hope this is helpful. Feel free to write me with your
thoughts.