bsjkki Posted February 27, 2017 Posted February 27, 2017 42 minutes ago, rongo said: We all know wonderful parents and families who are saddened by children who have used their agency counter to how they have been taught --- through no fault of them own. I like your thought in a later post that I think there is a lot of truth to the thought that parents are given children "assignments" that align with their capacity and talents --- and that this can result in "tough assignments" (children who are going to be more of a challenge and potentially cause heartbreak). All parents know that we get our children with many of their own personalities and traits when they arrive --- before upbringing has played a role. Each person truly is a unique spirit that comes into this life. Do you agree, though, that parents should focus on what they can affect and influence? Or, is everything fatalistic and pre-determined? I know that we all agree that there are exceptions to our positions, but do you agree that parental impact also plays an important role in children's commitment to the gospel? Or would you say that is rarely the case? We all know "Bishops, Branch Presidents, Seminary Teachers, RS Presidents and those who served faithfully in whatever capacity they were asked" who don't do right by their family and don't raise their children well. One's position in the Church is not a guarantee of anything. It is possible to have a prominent position in the Church and not be that committed to it, too. What premise? That parental instilling and upbringing are an important factor? To what extent do you think its importance should be de-emphasized? Completely --- no mention of it, ever? Where applicable. If applicable. I mainly help them have hope in the Atonement and in the promises of the prophets. I don't blindly trust the schools or the Church to teach my kids, and I say that as a public school teacher and as a bishop. My wife and I are the biggest influence on our kids, and the buck ultimately stops with us. As our kids, they are raised with the expectation that they will be a light, wherever they are. I had a point by point reply but lost it. I now need to parent so I will simply state where I agree with you. I agree the best thing you can do for parents with struggling kids is give them hope in the Atonement and in the promises of the prophets.
rongo Posted February 27, 2017 Author Posted February 27, 2017 6 minutes ago, bsjkki said: I had a point by point reply but lost it. I now need to parent so I will simply state where I agree with you. I agree the best thing you can do for parents with struggling kids is give them hope in the Atonement and in the promises of the prophets. Aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrgggggghhhhhhh! That has got to be one of the most frustrating things when that happens! I've spent hours on a post that gets lost, and you have to start all over from scratch or forget about it. No problem, and thanks for the discussion!
Five Solas Posted February 28, 2017 Posted February 28, 2017 (edited) 16 hours ago, HappyJackWagon said: I don't understand how you can be so certain about this. You seem to know what every youth is thinking. You know that those who wanted to asked questions, and those who didn't don't have any concerns. I don't say this to be rude but I find your inability to consider that these kids are skeptical and have concerns to be naïve and reckless. If this is the attitude you communicate I can't understand why anyone would open up to you. This attitude does not communicate safety. I think that at some point you are in for a rude awakening. There's definitely an air of "father knows best" across rongo's replies. And perhaps he does. But his evident sincerity notwithstanding, the reader could be forgiven for sensing an ever-so-slight condescension towards these kids. That said, I really do appreciate him sharing--even though what he describes is alien to my own (admittedly distant) experience at that age. --Erik Edited February 28, 2017 by Five Solas clarity
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