I just finished reading a great article from this months Ensign titled "The Fuctional Family" by James D. CacARTHUR. The following paragraph really hit home for me, and I want to share it, but mostly I want to post it so I never forget it.
"Children are always watching and observing our behavior, whether we know it or not. In my role as a father, I regularly take stock of my behavior by asking myself, "Can I recommend to my children that they follow my example both publicly and privately" If I answer no, I make corrections where needed".
"Here are some questions I've asked myself:
*Do I want my chidlren to be patient? Yes, so I try to be as patient with them as I can.
*Do I want my children to relax, have fun, and learn to enjoy life? Yes, because I believe these qualities are vital to developming healthy, happy relationships. I try to have fun with my chidlren as often as I can.
*Do I want my chidlren to read the scriptures and wholesome books? Yes, so I make sure they see me reading, and I read them.
*Do I want my chidlren to care about family relationships? Yes, so I kiss and hug them, smile at them, listen to them, play with them, and share personal experiences with them."
I think I fall into a major trap of hypocrasy when it comes to teaching Olivia correct principles. Everyday, everyhour, I'm constantly trying to teach her to be patient. Whether its waiting 30 seconds until I put her food on the table, or waiting for me to take her outside. Yet when were running late for church and she wants to play with her toys a little bit longer and I want her to get dressed, well, lets just say I'm not always exemplifying the quality of patience that I try to teach her on a day to day basis. I realize how important our examples are, and this talk was a reminder to remember that the things I want my chidlren to emulate, love, and cherish, I too mush emulate, love, and cherish.
2 comments:
I am going to have to read this. Sounds like a great talk.
Oh and I love the video below of Olivia at the park. It is so funny when she goes down the slide but barely moves. ha ha
Great post Jess. It's so true. I think so much of parenting happens when we are in a hurry or needing our kids to do something that they don't want to or testing our own attributes. And that's when they're really watching. This was a good reminder for me.
PS - You are an AMAZING mom!
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