A Little about A Lot

Just wanted to share a little bit about something I've been thinking a lot about...

Certain scriptures relevant to parenting have been on my mind lately, such as Enos 1:1, where we learn that Jacob taught his son Enos in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord." The word admonish is defined as indicating a more mild and sometimes kindly disapproval. "To admonish is to warn or counsel someone, usually because a duty has been forgotten or might be forgotten in the future". While admonishing is meant to correct or prevent misbehavior, nurturing in part is meant to encourage and develop good behavior. I often think the way I try to correct bad behavior could use some correcting too! Adam and I agree that when one of our children misbehaves, initially we either want to overreact or just let it go. I've been thinking about what it means to raise our children in the admonition of the Lord, and really appreciated hearing the following counsel given in Elder Russell M. Nelson's most recent conference address:

How can we best teach our children? The Lord has given us specific instruction:

“No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long‑suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;

“By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—

“Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy.”²⁰

When a child needs correction, you might ask yourself, “What can I say or do that would persuade him or her to choose a better way?” When giving necessary correction, do it quietly, privately, lovingly, and not publicly. If a rebuke is required, show an increase of love promptly so that seeds of resentment may not remain. To be persuasive, your love must be sincere and your teachings based on divine doctrine and correct principles.

Do not try to control your children. Instead, listen to them, help them to learn the gospel, inspire them, and lead them toward eternal life. You are God’s agents in the care of children He has entrusted to you. Let His divine influence remain in your hearts as you teach and persuade.

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