Parenting

This week as we discussed parenting, someone mentioned that "parenthood is preparation for Godhood."  I loved that idea.  We indeed do become more Godlike as we learn to sacrifice for those the Lord has put in our charge.  I also liked the thought that we teach children to obey not to make our own lives easier but to teach them to obey Heavenly Father.  For me this puts a lot of responsibility for me to teach my children to obey so that they can fulfill their purpose on earth and return back to live with Heavenly Father. 
As we discussed active parenting, it came up that children usually misbehave because they have an unmet need.  It is important to identify unmet needs that children have instead of just punishing children because we are under the false assumption that they are intentionally trying to make our lives difficult.  Children are not manipulative and there is usually an underlying reason for their misbehavior.

Family Finances

This week in class, we discussed family finances.  Inspired counsel has come from the Brethren on how a family can be successful with managing their finances.  The idea that touched me the most was that really the goal behind learning to manage our resources and finances is learning to manage ourselves.  I loved that because it is so true.  One of our goals of this life is to overcome the natural man and the tendencies and desires that come with that.  We become more like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ when we learn to control our natural impulses and desires that we have being in a mortal world. 
Another concept that came up this week was mothers working outside of the home.  Once again, I felt the importance that comes from having a mother inside the home, taking care of her own children.  The Spirit once again testified to me the importance of staying home with my children even though I will have a bachelor's degree.  Sometimes it is tempting to go out and work to supplement our income, but what impact will it have on our children, especially in the long run?  I know that I need to be with my children to show them the way that they should go.  They need a positive example in their lives that is constant and available to them.

Communication in Marriage

Everyone struggles to effectively communicate with others.  Part of the reason for this is because we know what we mean, but others may not because they may have different definitions for the words that we use.  One of the early tasks of marriage is to create shared meaning with each other.  Most often this is a challenge for couples.  It is difficult when two people have come from two different backgrounds, yet it can be done. 
Someone in class brought up the HALT method.  This means that if you and/or your spouse are hungry, angry, lonely, or tired, to step away from the situation and then come back later to assess the situation.  If I had known about this before, it may have saved me from some very unpleasant situations and hurt feelings.  I plan on using this in the future with my husband as well as with my children. 
Another topic that was discussed this past week was that when you learn another person's language, you communicate love to that person.   This can also be applied to families.  When we learn the different dialect of our family members we are showing to that person that we care about and love them.  This can also be a challenge but it is very rewarding. 

Family Crises

This week in class we talked about family crises.  Each family has them, but some may seem more prevalent than others.  I love how a family crisis can be described as both a danger and an opportunity.  There are many different types of crises that can impact a family.  While the crisis is important, how we respond to the event and how we look back on the event are just as important.  The perspective that family members have can help them see the positive that comes from going through a crisis.  If a family has a positive outlook on a crisis, it can bring them together while those who have more of a negative look on the crisis may end up struggling more through the trial.  I know from personal experience that sometimes it's hard to be positive through trials.  I believe that the true test of our character is how we respond to different circumstances and events that occur in our lives.  The Lord doesn't want us to suffer more than is necessary, yet we need growing opportunities to become more like Him.  As we remember this, hopefully it can help us keep a more positive outlook on the challenges that we face in life.