Ducks

My mother in law used to have a plaque that said, “Parenting is like being pecked to death by ducks.” Some days I agree with that statement.

Parents have a solemn duty to raise their children in the gospel, teaching them of God and Jesus Christ. They need to work together to rear children, helping them to become good, decent people. We are counseled to have regular scripture study, family prayer, and Family Home Evening. These things can promote family kindness, love, and cohesion. We need to do fun things together. We need to work and serve together. We need to attend the temple together. We need to guide our children so they can make their own wise and informed decisions.

There was a time that my husband and I were in the good cop/bad cop stage. He would say no, I would say yes. It made me angry that he wanted to parent our children like he was parented. He didn’t understand that kids need space as well as boundaries. They don’t want to be ruled under King Dad. They are growing every day into the adults we want them to be. I did like what Richard B. Miller said,

” In healthy, well-functioning families, there is a clear hierarchy between parents and children. Parents are the “executive committee” and the “board of directors” of a family. As with any other leadership position, parents should not be harsh, domineering, or dictatorial, but they are the leaders of the family, and the children need to follow that leadership.”

We are to lead in righteousness. We are to love and provide security. We are to counsel. We are our children’s first teachers and examples. They say what we say and do what we do. Like in the Rodney Atkins song:

Driving through town, just my boy and me
With a Happy Meal in his booster seat
Knowing that he couldn't have the toy 'til his nuggets were gone

A green traffic light turned straight to red
I hit my brakes and mumbled under my breath
His fries went a-flying and his orange drink covered his lap

Well, then my four-year-old said a four letter word
That started with "s" and I was concerned
So I said, "Son, now where'd you learn to talk like that?"

[Chorus:]
He said, "I've been watching you, dad. Ain't that cool?
I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you.
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are.
We got cowboy boots and camo pants.
Yeah, we're just alike. Hey, ain't we, dad?
I wanna do everything you do.
So I've been watching you."

We got back home and I went to the barn
I bowed my head and I prayed real hard
Said, "Lord, please help me help my stupid self."

Then this side of bedtime later that night
Turning on my son's Scooby Doo nightlight
He crawled out of bed and he got down on his knees

He closed his little eyes, folded his little hands
And spoke to God like he was talking to a friend
And I said, "Son, now where'd you learn to pray like that?"

."

[Bridge:]
With tears in my eyes I wrapped him in a hug
Said, "My little bear is growing up."
He said, "But when I'm big I'll still know what to do."

[Chorus:]."

We need to teach our children to stand for truth and righteousness. Personal progress and Duty to God, although painful to get through, benefit out children in ways they might not understand right now, but will later in life. When we have a strong foundation, we will not crumble.