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.
~
Just wanted to share some photos of my boys--they are both getting so big!
Emily had a dance recital today with her friends from her Bee Boppin' class. Before her turn to dance, there were girls and parents everywhere trying to get organized and Emily got a little nervous and started to cry, clinging to my leg like a leech while Robbie fussed in my arms. Just one of those mom moments when I suddenly felt overwhelmed. Emi eventually cheered up and, holding onto her classmates hands, went out and very seriously followed along with Miss Marie as they did ballet moves to Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. My friend recorded it, and when she gets a copy to us, we'll email or post it.
Emily's at that stage where she asks "how come?" in response to anything I say. When I told her the dance photos were on the computer she asked, "How come?"
