Why Commit?

What is a covenant?  Covenants are typically very strong, even sacred commitments. These promises are between two individuals who expect one another to uphold their end of the deal. Covenants are discussed often in the Bible. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. As a member of this church, I make special, sacred covenants between God and myself. Why are these covenants important? These covenants keep me mindful of my purpose while here in mortality. Furthermore, they protect me from the influence of the adversary as long as I strive to live in accordance with the principles of the gospel. The gospel is the word of God that I live by, giving me guidance on how I can live more like Jesus Christ. Covenants help me become more like my Savior. Through these covenants, these sacred promises I make with God, I am able to find genuine joy. I am able to live a fulfilling, blessed life. One of the most amazing promises we are made as we keep our covenants involves wha...

I am sure we have all seen those posts on Instagram portraying the "perfect mom," or the comments underneath posts all giving opinions on how to mother. To be honest, being a mother looks different for every mom. Furthermore, every child is going to have a different relationship with his/her mother than any other sibling. As such, mothers will need to cater to their children's needs. This means other moms do not necessarily know what is best for another mom's child.  So how do we "mom?" Trust your motherly instincts!! You know your kids! Listening to your motherly nature will become easier with time. Parenthood is a relationship with your child! When we see being a mom as a relationship description rather than a role description, we become more willing to work with our children. Allow yourself to learn from your children! We tend to learn much more from children they learn from us. As such, it is so important to open ourselves up to new ideas, new ways of le...

Being a parent is one of the most amazing jobs we can have. Raising children teaches us a lot more about ourselves, our partner, and where we want to be with our parenting. How do we parent in love? How do we adapt to their needs as best we can? How can be cope with not being the "perfect parent?" "In order to promote optimal development and to rear children in love and righteousness, the following are crucial elements for each child, although specific implementations and approaches may be individualized based upon the needs and personality of the particular child: • Love, warmth, and support  • Clear and reasonable expectations for competent behavior • Limits and boundaries with some room for negotiation and compromise • Reasoning and developmentally appropriate con-sequences and punishments for breaching established         limits • Opportunities to perform competently and make choices • Absence of coercive, hostile forms of discipline, such as harsh phys...