It is a mitzvah upon a father to treat his son in accord with the son’s age, temperament and intelligence, and in accord with the situation — using strict approach or a soft one. It is the father’s responsibility to weigh his words carefully, in such a fashion that the son will respond positively and not go astray. This requires great understanding and much patience, so as to behave in moderation as needed. A person must not withhold discipline from a child but nor should he chastise excessively. He should not speak briefly when it would be more appropriate to speak at length, nor should he be wordy when he ought to be brief.
It is also a father’s responsibility to teach his son Torah and to marry him off when he is of age.