Reasoning with Children
Two days before John was to return to his military assignment, a construction crew began digging a large hole in the empty lot north of his home. By the end of the day, a fifteen-foot hole lay ready for cement forms to be placed in it. Just minutes after the crew left, neighborhood children swarmed on the “diggings.” (Read more)
Building Confidence
Have you ever heard parents make comments like the following to their children: “Boy, are you dumb!”, “Can’t you do anything right?”, “Why are you such a pack rat?”, “Stop being such a loudmouth!”. If you flinched when you read the above comments, you probably sensed how negative, harsh, and unkind they are. What do such comments communicate to children? Concern? Patience? Gentleness? Love? Or do they show disrespect, coldness, or dislike? (Read more)
Sharing Sorrows
Fifteen-year-old Ida had worked hard in her history class to qualify for the field trip. Only the top twenty-five percent of the class could go, and she had earned a seat on the bus only two days before the deadline. The night before the trip Ida contracted strep throat. Her father wanted to say something to comfort her, but wondered what he could say. (Read more)
Dealing with Problems Privately
Mormons believe that spending regular, private time with each child and with your spouse can prevent some problems and help you deal with those that do come up. By regularly talking to each other on a one-to-one basis, you share not only your thoughts and feelings, but your burdens as well. Then, when you need to correct a child or discuss a misunderstanding, it will be natural to do this on a one-to-one basis. (Read more)
Reclaiming a Wayward Child
What can you do when a child raised in the Mormon Church turns his back on it? What can you do when your child, regardless of your faith, turns his back on God? Too often, friends, leaders, and sometimes parents assume that they have failed or that there is nothing that can be done to bring the children back. Such attitudes deny hope for the future. The Lord has taught us otherwise; he would have us have faith in ourselves and in our children. (Read more)
Understanding the Personality Development of Children
Children are not just little adults. They have to go through a great deal of growth—intellectually, emotionally, and socially—on their way to becoming adults. When parents realize these things, there is less strain on both parents and children. Family home evenings (a Mormon family gathering, but any family gathering applies) can be more enjoyable and successful when a child’s personality development is considered. Remembering that a child does not think like an adult, have the same attention span, or see the world the same way adults do, can help a parent plan family activities everyone can enjoy.