Parenting

Let me ask you a simple question, what is the purpose of parenting? Brother Williams our teacher asked us this very question in class. Each student had unique responses, for example one student said, to teach our children right from wrong, or to develop parenting attributes. These are all great answers and I was very pleased to hear what other classmates had to say.

A man by the name of Michael Popkins said "The purpose of parenting is to protect and prepare a child to survive and thrive in a world they will live in" I think this is a great quote to talk about, he says to teach children not only to survive but also to thrive. That is very impressive to me, in the Family Proclamation it also states "Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love one and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live." Children have needs and that is what we need to do as parent. The proclamation is a wonderful source of guidance when children come into the picture. 

Michael Popkins then gives us 5 basic qualities we can do to meet our childrens needs:

1.  Courge
2. Self- Esteem 
3. Responsibility 
4. Cooperation 
5. Respect  

These qualities are very important when we are trying to teach our children from right and wrong. As we teach out children this essential characteristics, we need to develop them ourselves first so that we can teach by example. I strongly believe that we are each given the opportunity to eventually have children. I am so grateful for the power of procreation and chance we get to receive such wonderful gifts from heaven.