Leading Expert Advice
“By ‘mindful’ parenting, I mean parenting that is intentional, where the consequences of your actions toward your child are the ones you’ve actually intended, rather than those that just happened by chance […] How you treat and respond to your children should come from a knowledgeable, deliberate sense of what you want to accomplish. Parenting can, and should, be heartfelt, and it often is impromptu, but it should never be haphazard or random. There should always be a method to your madness, even though you may not always be consciously aware of it […] Always ask yourself this: What effect will my decision have on my child?” (Steinberg, p. 10-11).
“When your parenting is thoughtful, your child is more likely to be better adjusted, and when your child is well-adjusted, it’s considerably more fun to be a parent” (Steinberg, p. 13).
Gospel Principle
“Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results. “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33). Consistency is a key principle as we lay the foundation of a great work in our individual lives and as we become more diligent and concerned in our own homes” (Bednar, More Diligent and Concerned at Home).
Connecting the Dots
Elder Bednar talks about how all the individual brush strokes come together to make a masterpiece. But these strokes cannot be haphazard if they are to create a beautiful end result. They must be thoughtful and carefully placed. The same is true of parenting. Our goal isn’t just to do a lot of things and add strokes to “the canvas of our souls” (or to the canvas of our children). The number of strokes we use doesn’t guarantee beauty. Thoughtful painting is the key. The things we do cannot be haphazard or hasty. They must be carefully thought out. They must be intentional. As Steinberg said, we should always be asking ourselves how our decisions and actions will impact our children. This will require counseling – with the Lord, your spouse, and your children.
“By ‘mindful’ parenting, I mean parenting that is intentional, where the consequences of your actions toward your child are the ones you’ve actually intended, rather than those that just happened by chance […] How you treat and respond to your children should come from a knowledgeable, deliberate sense of what you want to accomplish. Parenting can, and should, be heartfelt, and it often is impromptu, but it should never be haphazard or random. There should always be a method to your madness, even though you may not always be consciously aware of it […] Always ask yourself this: What effect will my decision have on my child?” (Steinberg, p. 10-11).
“When your parenting is thoughtful, your child is more likely to be better adjusted, and when your child is well-adjusted, it’s considerably more fun to be a parent” (Steinberg, p. 13).
Gospel Principle
“Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results. “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33). Consistency is a key principle as we lay the foundation of a great work in our individual lives and as we become more diligent and concerned in our own homes” (Bednar, More Diligent and Concerned at Home).
Connecting the Dots
Elder Bednar talks about how all the individual brush strokes come together to make a masterpiece. But these strokes cannot be haphazard if they are to create a beautiful end result. They must be thoughtful and carefully placed. The same is true of parenting. Our goal isn’t just to do a lot of things and add strokes to “the canvas of our souls” (or to the canvas of our children). The number of strokes we use doesn’t guarantee beauty. Thoughtful painting is the key. The things we do cannot be haphazard or hasty. They must be carefully thought out. They must be intentional. As Steinberg said, we should always be asking ourselves how our decisions and actions will impact our children. This will require counseling – with the Lord, your spouse, and your children.