Lesson for March 24 "Becoming Goodly Parents"

Sister Amy Cowell gave the lesson based on Elder L. Tom Perry's talk, "Becoming Goodly Parents." he started out by telling that he had his 90th birthday and everything that happened since his birth. He then cautioned about the attacks on the family and the sanctity of marriage. He was grateful for the emphasis his parents placed on rearing their children and all they did for hom. He said, "But deeper is the feeling for you because of the example you set for me. Life was made so enjoyable for us as a family that we wanted to follow in your footsteps, to continue on through experiencing the same joy that had been ours in our younger days. You always found time to take the family into the canyon, and we could count on you to do anything from climbing mountains to playing ball with us. You and Dad were never going on vacations alone. The family was always with you. Now that I am away from home, I always like to talk about my home life because it was so enjoyable. I couldn't turn from your teachings now because my actions would reflect on your character. Life is a great challenge to me to be worthy to be called the son of Nora Sonne Perry. I am very proud of this title, and I hope that I will always be worthy of it." we had a good discussion of using consistent discipline and examples. elder Perry said "Lessons taught in the home by goodly parents are becoming increasingly important in today's world, where the influence of the adversary is so widespread. As we know, he is attempting to erode and destroy the very foundation of our society--the family. In clever and carefully camouflaged ways, he is attacking commitment to family life throughout the world and undermining the culture and covenants of faithful Latter-day Saints. Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and important responsibility. While other institutions such as church and school can assist parents to "train up a child in the way he [or she] should go" (Proverbs 22:6), this responsibility ultimately rests on the parents. According to the great plan of happiness, it is goodly parents who are entrusted with the care and development of Heavenly Father's children." we then discussed the five ways Elder Perry gave us to improve our parenting. He said, " First, parents can pray in earnest, asking our Eternal Father to help them love, understand, and guide the children He has sent to them.  Second, they can hold family prayer, scripture study, and family home evenings and eat together as often as possible, making dinner a time of communication and the teaching of values.  Third, parents can fully avail themselves of the Church's support network, communicating with their children's Primary teachers, youth leaders, and class and quorum presidencies. By communicating with those who are called and set apart to work with their children, parents can provide essential understanding of a child's special and specific needs.  Fourth, parents can share their testimonies often with their children, commit them to keep the commandments of God, and promise the blessings that our Heavenly Father promises His faithful children.  Fifth, we can organize our families based on clear, simple family rules and expectations, wholesome family traditions and rituals, and "family economics," where children have household responsibilities and can earn allowances so that they can learn to budget, save, and pay tithing on the money they earn." sister Jolley said she had to figure out her family so they all got up at the same time so they could read the scriptures together. She had to take into consideration the phase of life they are in. Another sister said sometimes we as the sisters have to make things happen even if the husbands don't. We can do things to bring the Spirit into the home even if children are being disruptive and sometimes the children can do the leading if they have the desire. Sister Cantrell said you have to allow children their free agency and do the best you can do. Sister Boyadjian told of how she used gentle persuasion to encourage a daughter to join in with scripture study though she was tired.