“Courageous Parenting,” Larry R. Lawrence," Ensign, November 2010, 98-100
-“Your bright and energetic youth are the future of the Church, and for that reason they are a prime target of the adversary.”
-“There are no perfect parents and no easy answers, but there are principles of truth that we can rely on.”
-“As we are reminded in the family proclamation, parents are responsible for the protection of their children.1 That means spiritually as well as physically.”
-(1 Samuel 3:13). The story of Eli teaches us that parents who love their children cannot afford to be intimidated by them. The story of Alma shows the blessings that come to parents who teach their children.
-“Several years ago at general conference, Elder Joe J. Christensen reminded us that “parenting is not a popularity contest.”2 In the same spirit, Elder Robert D. Hales has observed, “Sometimes we are afraid of our children—afraid to counsel with them for fear of offending them.”3”
-Son wanted to go on a weekend trip but for some reason Elder Lawrence didn’t feel good about it. He wanted to say yes but the Spirit said no. His wife said they needed to listen to that warning voice. His son was disappointed and wanted to know. Elder Lawrence, “answered honestly that I didn’t know why. ‘I just don’t feel good about it,’ I explained, ‘and I love you too much to ignore these feelings inside.’ I was quite surprised when he said, “That’s OK, Dad. I understand.”
“Young people understand more than we realize because they too have the gift of the Holy Ghost. They are trying to recognize the Spirit when He speaks, and they are watching our example. From us they learn to pay attention to their promptings—that if they “don’t feel good about something,” it’s best not to pursue it.”
-“It’s so important for husbands and wives to be united when making parenting decisions. If either parent doesn’t feel good about something, then permission should not be granted. If either feels uncomfortable about a movie, a television show, a video game, a party, a dress, a swimsuit, or an Internet activity, have the courage to support each other and say no.”
-If your spouse doesn’t feel good about something, show respect for those feelings.
-“Parents can prevent a lot of heartache by teaching their children to postpone romantic -relationships until the time comes when they are ready for marriage. Prematurely pairing off with a boyfriend or girlfriend is dangerous. Becoming a “couple” creates emotional intimacy, which too often leads to physical intimacy.”
-“I have always believed that nothing really good happens late at night and that young people need to know what time they are expected to come home.
“There is a great deal of wisdom displayed when parents stay up and wait for their children to return home. Young men and women make far better choices when they know their parents are waiting up to hear about their evening and to kiss them good night.”
-He warns against sleepovers. “Peer pressure becomes more powerful” and their first exposure to many immoral things take place.
-“Courageous parenting does not always involve saying no. Parents also need courage to say yes to the counsel of modern-day prophets. Our Church leaders have counseled us to establish righteous patterns in our homes. Consider five fundamental practices that have the power to fortify our youth: family prayer, family scripture study, family home evening, family dinner together, and regular one-on-one interviews with each child.”
“It takes courage to gather children from whatever they’re doing and kneel together as a family. It takes courage to turn off the television and the computer and to guide your family through the pages of the scriptures every day. It takes courage to turn down other invitations on Monday night so that you can reserve that evening for your family. It takes courage and willpower to avoid overscheduling so that your family can be home for dinner.”
-“Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid” (Joshua 1:9).
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