Parenting. It is a calling, a blessing, a challenge at times, an adventure full of uh ohs……  and yet such an enriching lifetime commitment.  Before I begin, I would like to preface, each and every parent has their own parenting styles which may work for them, but not others, so this is by no means the Merriam Webster’s handbook to parenting.  This is my personal account of my journey and character building experiences that I am sharing with you.  My husband and I clearly have different ideas of fun and entertainment (no I will not throw my 6 month old up it the air), however, what we both can effortlessly agree on is one thing, teaching our children compassion and fortitude.  When both parents are on the same page on those core principles, parenting can be so much more constructive. We both strongly feel how vital it is to create a foundation of reverent, kind and dedicated little humans.  Teaching them to be selfless, loving and nurturing can prepare them to build meaningful relationships with others and hopefully with their future spouse.  So how do we do this?

1. Teach them to be kind (there’s too much negativity in the world)

2. Teach them to share

3. Give them a hug (many times a tantrum can be resolved by a tender hug) 

4. Compliment them for doing a good deed 

5. Challenge them to try new things

When I reflect back on my own childhood, I remember being quite the timid one until I hit my early teen years.  These days it seems children have way more available to them. This includes tv, tablets, mobile devices, toys galore yet are these items really teaching our children the right messages?  This brings me to the practice of “minimalizing.”  Would I call myself a minimalist? No, not quite. Who am I kidding, we live in this modest age where there’s the latest and greatest.  So what am I getting at.  Quality time with your children. I can say without a doubt our girls are the happiest when mommy and daddy are doing something fun with them. My oldest is 4, so I don’t quite know how that will go once she starts school but this early children is such a critical stage to do our best to parent cohesively and give them that strong foundation of love and support.

Speaking of toddlers, Parent.com features a great article titled, “3 Ways to Raise a Caring Toddler”

We also love to teach our little ones about our Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ.  I cannot express how grateful I am to have HIM in my life. He lifts me up when I am down and reminds me why I am needed here on earth.  Parenting in this Modern era comes with many trials and rough patches but don’t be discouraged because you ARE doing your best.  Make it priority to rear your children with love  and affection an active participation. As Elder James E Faust quotes, “In my opinion, the teaching, rearing, and training of children requires more intelligence, intuitive understanding, humility, strength, wisdom, spirituality, perseverance, and hard work than any other challenge we might have in life. This is especially so when moral foundations of honor and decency are eroding around us.”  May we all focus on the cores principles of child rearing and let not the worldly distractions interfere with your role as parents. Take a moment each day to hug and embrace your children and give them your wholehearted, undivided attention.  Remember, they are gifts to us.

What are some wholesome family activities you do with your family?