Although I found the conversation engaging, I didn't share my insights. More is often said than done, so I'll add some thoughts here since I didn’t want to take up too much time during class. One important aspect I believe in is leading by example. If we want our children to focus on meaningful activities, we should also limit our device usage and actively participate in those activities with them.
Another point is open communication. Encouraging our children to talk about their feelings and experiences can help them understand the importance of these values. Lastly, consistency in our approach to discipline and guidance is crucial. It ensures our children know what is expected of them and helps reinforce good habits.
Parenting is a continuous learning process, and sharing insights can help us all grow together in this important role.
Below were the possible insights that I might share if I had a change to spake up. Yes the world has a shifting value as President Gordon B. Hinckley pointed out, though it may sound tough to parents who experienced different situation in different areas of their lives, there are still ways that we could do to guide the next generation in a different world.
My suggestions were -
Adapting to the changes brought by new generations, either in technology or cultural shifts, is essential. Allowing our children to explore and learn from these changes while providing them with moral, temporal, and spiritual support can make a significant difference.
Elder Delbert L. Stapley once said,
“We are not born into this world with fixed habits. Neither do we inherit a noble character. Instead, as children of God, we are given the privilege and opportunity of choosing which way of life we will follow—which habits we will form.”
This reminds us that our children are shaping their characters through their daily choices and interactions with the world, including technology.
As President Russell M. Nelson emphasized in his April 2023 General Conference talk, “Peacemakers Needed,”
"Followers of Jesus Christ should be peacemakers, embodying compassion, understanding, and mutual respect, especially in the face of disagreements."
This principle can also be applied within families as we navigate how best to guide our children in a rapidly evolving world.
We must accept that we can't turn back time, nor can we discipline our children exactly as our parents did. Instead, as President Gordon B. Hinckley mentioned,
“We must never lose sight of the fact that we are children of our Heavenly Father… We must be loyal to the command to love one another, to be kind, to be considerate, to be honest, and to be helpful.”
In our approach, gaining knowledge about the causes and effects of technological and cultural changes is crucial. This enables us to guide our children effectively. Our methods of guidance might differ from others or from past generations, but our self-evaluation should always be ongoing, as Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught,
“Let us evaluate ourselves and our actions to ensure that we are building a future that is bright, not only for ourselves but for those who come after us.”
Ultimately, our objective is to support our children through these changes, helping them develop into morally strong, spiritually grounded individuals.
This may sound a disagreement, but For me, it is not bad to have them learn technology, the only thing that's bad is we allow the technology to control them. That shouldn't be and it is our duty to help them understand which way was right and be better.
Lehi, in his vision of the Tree of Life, felt deep sorrow because his two eldest sons, Laman and Lemuel, did not partake of the fruit as he had seen in his dream. Despite their stubbornness and the fact that they were grown adults with their own agency, Lehi did not give up on teaching and guiding them.
The scriptures illustrate this beautifully in 1 Nephi 8:37:
"And he did exhort them then with all the feeling of a tender parent, that they would hearken to his words, that perhaps the Lord would be merciful to them, and not cast them off; yea, my father did preach unto them.
And after he had preached unto them, and also prophesied unto them of many things, he bade them to keep the commandments of the Lord; and he did cease speaking unto them."
(Why he cease speaking, for more info regarding this topic, click on the link provided)
Lehi’s unwavering dedication to his sons, despite their resistance, serves as a powerful example of a parent's enduring love and commitment to their children's spiritual well-being. This commitment is less about adapting to new technologies or concepts and more about guiding them on the path of righteousness. As it states in Proverbs 22:6:
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Parenting is fundamentally about dedication and commitment, even when it seems challenging to adjust to situations that were different from our own youth. The effort to instill love and kindness into our children's lives is worth it. Lehi exemplifies this in his persistent efforts to counsel his sons, despite their frequent opposition.
"Wherefore, I did call upon them that they would repent; but they hardened their hearts and they were wroth with me" (1 Nephi 16:2).
It’s noteworthy that new technology is not the primary factor that will lead our children to righteousness—our care and guidance hold that power. President Gordon B. Hinckley has reminded us that,
"If we will walk in obedience to the commandments of God, if we will follow the counsel of the priesthood, he will open a way even where there appears to be no way."
Our days may be different, filled with unique challenges, but these should not be seen as hindrances to our children's spiritual growth. Instead, they are blessings, offering us opportunities to teach and help our children use their agency wisely. As Elder Delbert L. Stapley said,
"Good habits are developed in the workshop of our daily lives."
By consistently living and teaching gospel principles, we can lead our children toward understanding our love and the principles of righteousness.
Thank you and have a blessed day ahead.
Jerry N. Bustillo
LINK
I provided a link about Lehi's story check it out for additional insights. https://bustillo-family.blogspot.com/2024/01/he-did-cease-speaking-unto-them.html?m=1
Comments
Post a Comment
Hey there!
Thank you so much for stopping by my weblog. I just wanted to give you a heads-up that I have made some updates to make your browsing experience even better. I fixed broken links and updated some of my posts. However, if you happen to come across any issues, please don't hesitate to let me know. I'm always here and happy to help in any way I can.
Warm regards,
Jerry Nuñez Bustillo