Leading Expert Advice
“Parents become more controlling when time is short, just as they do when they’re in public. The combination of the two conditions is a killer. […] Even on those occasions when we are in a bit of a hurry, it’s important not to be minute-wise and hour-foolish. Trying to rush a small child is a fool’s errand. Therefore, it often makes sense to spend a little time now to save more time later” (Kohn, p. 138).
Gospel Principle
“The wise understand and apply the lessons of tree rings and air turbulence. They resist the temptation to get caught up in the frantic rush of everyday life. They follow the advice “There is more to life than increasing its speed.” In short, they focus on the things that matter most. Elder Dallin H. Oaks, in a recent general conference, taught, “We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families.”’ (Uchtdorf, Of Things That Matter Most).
Connecting the Dots
There are no quick fixes in life. And if something claims to be a quick fix, it’s probably not worth having. Good things take time. Growing takes time. Learning takes time. Life in general takes time. We can’t expect understanding to develop all at once. We need to have patience with ourselves and especially with our children. If we are trying to rush our children – with anything – we will find ourselves more frustrated and irritable and more likely to be controlling. We must do as President Uchtdorf says and learn to slow down and take time for the things that really matter.
“Parents become more controlling when time is short, just as they do when they’re in public. The combination of the two conditions is a killer. […] Even on those occasions when we are in a bit of a hurry, it’s important not to be minute-wise and hour-foolish. Trying to rush a small child is a fool’s errand. Therefore, it often makes sense to spend a little time now to save more time later” (Kohn, p. 138).
Gospel Principle
“The wise understand and apply the lessons of tree rings and air turbulence. They resist the temptation to get caught up in the frantic rush of everyday life. They follow the advice “There is more to life than increasing its speed.” In short, they focus on the things that matter most. Elder Dallin H. Oaks, in a recent general conference, taught, “We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families.”’ (Uchtdorf, Of Things That Matter Most).
Connecting the Dots
There are no quick fixes in life. And if something claims to be a quick fix, it’s probably not worth having. Good things take time. Growing takes time. Learning takes time. Life in general takes time. We can’t expect understanding to develop all at once. We need to have patience with ourselves and especially with our children. If we are trying to rush our children – with anything – we will find ourselves more frustrated and irritable and more likely to be controlling. We must do as President Uchtdorf says and learn to slow down and take time for the things that really matter.