It was our first time hearing the Leesburg Stake president speak . . . He had some good counsel/challenges. . We wanted to share some of the highlights . . .
Sunday, August 27, 2006
6 principles to live by for raising children
This is some other stuff from our stake conference (President Carter, Stake President, Leesburg).
1
) Set High Expectations (duty to God, YW Recognition, Eagle, Modesty, College, Tithing, Tithing, Bear Testimony, Work Hard)
2) Teach and Settle for Nothing Less than Obedience (accountability is important from teachers, parents, and leaders--see both small and large issues in the same light (do not say, "I choose my battles"--squeeze and minimize the grey issues (try to teach that things are black and white)). Elder Ballard: "meticulous obedience is expected".
3) Establish a Pattern of Absolute Consistency (follow through on consequences--otherwise it will lead to confusion and manipulation). Reinforce with parent/child interviews. Ask specific questions (you have a right/responsibility to know child's worthiness); apply specific discipline (action directed towards goals (not physical punishment); "Do not intervene to soften blow for the violation of commandments" . . . Elder Ballard. Intervention enforces false principles. Be consistent, it takes time and dedication (last children should get same degree of discipline as the oldest child (that's right Raleigh).
4) Be one with your spouse (if divided on raising children, problems arise, do not disagree in front of children, do not abrogate role as parent to be a friend--because you can never be a parent foremost again, parents who establish a proper/loving relationship early will not have to compromise the friendship.
5) Teach and Show by example, words, FHE, scripture study, speak kindly of others in front of children, go to temple & meetings--sets right example for kids, teach principle that every choice has a consequence and each consequence has a destination. Best place of learning, the kitchen table and the parent's king sized bed.
6) Opposite of Love, is to Ignore: Children require intimacy, take time for children, children cannot trust parents who rarely talk to them, time is the most precious gift of love, share testimony with children, establish a spiritual relationship with them that transcends time, create an atmosphere of love.We are going to email the stake president to get a copy of the talk, if you are interested in reading more . . . send me an email!
Our stake president gave everyone the following three assignments:1) Each week in Family Home Evening, pick one topic from the "For Strength of Youth" Pamplet, and organize your family home evenings accordingly. He said that there were 18 topics and 20 weeks left in the year. He said this applied to old/young, and all family types.2) Invite someone/family to church between now and the end of the year. Make it a matter of family prayer/fasting.3) Attend the temple, at a minimum, once per month. He said that he worries that if we do not go AT LEAST this much, then the individual members of the stake are not receiving the blessings promised to those that attend the temple.
