Christlike Parenting: Chapter 1

I think most of you can relate to me when it comes to raising children. There is nothing in this world that brings me so much joy and frustration at the same time! A couple months ago, my Relief Society president sent me a letter in the mail that was really appreciated. She is such a great cheerleader when it comes to raising small children! She recommended that I read Christlike Parenting by Glenn Latham. I immediately put it on hold at the library and my turn finally came up to have it (2 months ago). I guess I'm not the only one that needs help in this area:)
I've just read the first chapter and I feel like their is hope for me in raising my family and not going crazy at the same time! So I wanted to share with you, (if I get time:)), what I learn in each chapter, even though I know, honestly, that each of you are excellent parents. I love that he uses the scriptures and Christ's teachings to help in parenting.

Chapter 1: Families in Crisis

1. The Family in crisis: The commandment to "multiply" and be responsible parents is the single most important responsibility ever given by God to His children.

"If we are Christian, we must be Christlike. That is what people expect of us, that we live our Christian life to the full." Mother Teresa


2. The attack on the Traditional family:
The family is God's masterpiece.
Satan considers it a victory if he destroys a family.

"Marriage is the union of two divinities that a third might be born on earth. It is the golden ring in a chain whose beginning is a glance, and whose ending is eternity." Kahlil Gibran

3. Comfort for Grieving Parents:
We are not alone when it comes to parenting. The Bible has numerous stories of families that struggled. It is a part of history.

What all parents must understand and appreciate is that at times, raising a family is not easy. I seriously doubt it was meant to be easy... Grieving, confused parents will find their best hope for comfort and direction in pattering their parenting after Christ.

Mothering and fathering provide the basic parenting models for children; hence, parents must rise above the behavior of their children (this is one I'm working on!)

Parents must be the ones to set the standards and rules of the house to maintain order.

The Lord stands ready to help all parents. His teachings and example were given to us so we may know how to love and lead our children.

It is better that our house is in order than our businesses, our studies, or any other areas of responsibility.

Parenting is like going through the refiner's fire.

"Please remember this one thing. If our lives are centered upon Jesus Christ...nothing can ever go permanently wrong. On the other hand, if our lives are not centered on the Savior and his teachings, no other success can ever be permanently right." Howard W. Hunter

I am grateful to be my kids' mommy! I am grateful for the fun times and the hard times of being a parent. I truly believe that you grow through trials and you love your family more through them. I am thankful for my Savior, who has set such a perfect example for me. It makes so much sense to me that parents should love, teach and discipline their children by pattering Christ's teachings.

I hope each of you have a Merry Christmas!