Parenting

Our discussion this week was based on parenting and what their purposes are. We talked about refining parents so, that they can become more like God and come closer to divinity, and also that they are to protect and prepare children to survive and thrive in the world around them. I think it's also important to note that children need four things: courage, responsibility=respond to opportunities and challenges, choices and consequences, and cooperation and respect. I truly believe that parents and children learn and teach one another. It is important to create a family and a household where love, comfort, and respect are present. Where each member of the family feels open to communicate and has a sense of safety and most importantly, where the Spirit can be felt.

Fatherhood

This week we discussed the importance of fathers and their influence on our lives. In class we talked about "One for the Money" which is a book about finances and how important it is to stay out of financial debt. We should apply steps such as: Pay an honest tithe, learn to manage money, learn self-discipline and self-restraint, use a budget, teach family members the importance of working and earning, teach children to make money decisions, teach each family member to contribute to the total family welfare, make education a continuing process, work toward home ownership, involve yourself in an insurance program, and appropriately involve yourself in food storage. If we incorporate these into our lives, we can receive blessings and avoid financial and relationship problems. My dad has always been a good example of this because he has always taught me the value of working hard and managing money. I'm really grateful for his teachings and support.

Communication

Communication is extremely important when it comes to relationships with others and especially marriages. Challenges that are related to communication problems are misunderstandings, perceptions, and sacrasm. Sarcasm has been found to be one of the most difficult forms of communication. Therefore, we should do our best to avoid it. Also, we should watch for our verbal, non-verbal and tone when we are dealing with situations. Our body language, gestures and facial expressions can potray a lot of messages, some of which are unintentional, but can be perceived as something different. If we do our best to communicate and resolve small problems early on, then it could benefit for later on when problems seem to be more substantial. We need to develop and continually work on skills to better ourselves and our relationships.

Family Crisis

In class this week we talked about stress and coping in families. A crisis is a problem that puts the family system at risk. It's usually unexpected which means we are not as prepared, but we choose whether the crisis will define us or refine us. Instead of approaching a crisis negatively, we should look for ways to learn and grow from it! They are opportunities to strengthen relationships with others. Although everyone has their own experiences, some of us can have the same stressor or crisis, but walk away with completely different attitudes and feelings toward it based on the way we choose to think and feel about the situation. We choose what we take and learn from trials and adversity!

In class this week we talked about sexuality and the importance of being mindful of different thinking between males and females to avoid conflict in relationships and marriages. It was taught that safety, comfort, love, and confidenct are the key to successful sexual intimacy. It is also important to remember that every relationship requires sacrifice from both individuals. Great giving results to great receiving and if we are attentive to one another, then the relationship grows and love increases.