my thoughts on Parenting (A religion paper i wrote)

    Although parenting is one of the most important things in the society, many parents are doing a poor job at raising their children. In talking about creating successful homes, Elder James E. Faust mentioned a few ways that parents may achieve this, parents must set the example, disciplining children, teaching children to work, helping children internalize values, and a most important one, a thousand threads of love.
Based on the mentioned ways to achieve a successful home, it is not difficult for one to see the lack of most these ways in today's society. I like the mentioning of work as a main way to create a successful home. I can personally attest to the importance of it. Growing up I didn't do a lot of work around the house, my mother would ask me help her cook sometimes, but that was usually only around the holydays. Also, in Romania teenagers don't have jobs, so I didn't start working until I moved to the U.S. when I was 18. I started to experience more independence as I had a job, but even more importantly it gave the confidence and trust that I could accomplish things on my own.
The parental example is the most important tool in teaching children. I doubt that most parents understand this great responsibility. In the reading, it was mentioned the importance of not being hypocritical when it comes to teaching children, because they can see through it and it would only turn them off towards applying the rule in their own life. Through obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ we can easily avoid this. Just as Christ has never taught anything he hasn't lived, we can follow the example.
One of my personal theories that aids in creating a successful home is the attitude parents have toward their children. Many parents have their own set of baggage and agenda, and not being completely satisfied with themselves and who they've become, they take it upon their children. Too many parents are abusing their authority and even stewardship in demanding their children's obedience more for the sake of exercising poser over them, than out of true concern for their welfare. Many times adults underestimate the power and mental capacity children have, even in their early stages of life. Respecting them from early on would build their self-esteem and strengthen their desire to do what's right. Even in later stages of development parents may cross boundaries. I think in order to overcome this challenge parents must learn how to let their children be their own individuals, even if it means they will make mistakes along the way. I consider this capacity of allowing children be and develop as they need one of the greatest acts of love. It takes complete altruism as well as exercising faith in the Lord.
Applying the above-mentioned concept to our relationship with God, the way He expresses His love is by letting us become whom we choose to become. Ironically enough many today go as far as to stop believing in a higher power claiming that have we had a creator/father in heaven, none of the harmful things would happen to the good people in the world.
Just having a child does not qualify one as a good parent. Living the gospel fully will allow one to be a better parent.

Hello,

Yesterday i read these articles for my Marriage Prep class. This is a religion class here at BYU. The topic of the articles was the role of the mothers of staying at home. Growing up in Romania, although i've been a member of the LDS church since i was 9, i don't recall the women int he church being encouraged to stay at home when they have kids. The main reason for this not being the focus of the church in Romania is the tougher economical situation people have over there. Mothers don't really have the option of staying home if they want their family to have the basics. For this reason growing up my mother has always had a full time job. I remember yearning to spend more time with her. I remember coming home from school and not having her there, it was lonely...however, since everyone else was in the same situation, i thought it was the norm, so i wasn't too sad about it. 

    So growing up with in such an environment of working mothers, i've always assumed that even if i were to stay at home right after having my children, that i would a few years later to back to work. Being encouraged by my parents to focus on a career, and having them almost belittling women in the church that are staying home moms, i developed the attitude of must have a career and be independent. 

After reading those few articles yesterday and after talking to others, i realized i will have to choose raising my children in the right way over developing a career. I used to think that i could manage both, but the truth is that i couldn't do both full time. I also used to think that i would sacrifice some of my time spent with them for being able to afford better and more things...If we're honest about it though, there is no substitute for time spent with the children. Specially in early stages of life. 

So, as a result of my pondering upon this matter, i've made up my mind that not only i will be a staying-home mom, but i want to be one, and i will enjoy it. 

That's not to say that because i'm planning on staying home i will not pursue my education. I want to have a Law degree, and i believe it will only make me a better individual and mother. 

    

The day after elections

    What i think of the last night's elections results is that first and foremost they are historical. This is not too difficult to recognize for obvious reasons. I don't consider myself of any party per se, and as the elections continued i was actually getting more away from Obama than towards him. However, when he was announced as the 44th president of the great country of the United States of America, it felt ... right. He is not perfect by any means, just as all mortals are not, but i feel hopeful he'll do well. 

I think good times are awaiting the American people, and not having been born 

in this Nation to begin with, i feel honored to be a part of these crucial times when

history is created.

I would hope that regardless of their political preferences, the American people

will be willing to start all fresh and to sustain and support the new president. Will

this mean they shouldn't criticize Obama and his political agenda? No, as a matter of

fact i find that to be their duty, that of staying informed and express their opinions.

What i don't find necessary and actually even destructive is pointless criticism and

focusing on all negative....nothing constructive come from that. I also don't appreciate

those that they mostly criticize rather than give alternatives or coming with constructive

ideas.

Anyways...these are my thoughts of the elections, i am sure the political turmoil

will not be ending with the electoral results, and i am looking forward to monitor

and crate my own take on what's going on.

Alice A.

MY very own Blog....

This is my first posting...i can already tell this is the beginning of an interesting journey.