My first thought was, seriously, work and self-reliance? That needs to be a topic for the youth today?
But then the more I got to thinking about it, the more I realized that work and self-reliance are, unfortunately, critical components of our society that are slipping away.
We live in the age of entitlement. We think we have claim to things, opportunities, and help by merely existing. We think we can get something for nothing.
How sad that in the booklet's 47+ years of existence work and self-reliance have never had to have special mention because they were an expected part of society and family life.
I am grateful for the addition of this topic. As a parent it has reiterated to me the importance of teaching my children how to work. Even though they are young, I need to remember that they can contribute and that they must contribute in our home for their own benefit and blessing. I am grateful for the counsel of prophets that directs me in raising children in this day and age.
So today we got to work washing the windows inside and out. It have have been over a year (...or closer to 2) since we cleaned them on the outside and they needed it. Each girl got a turn with the scrubbing brush, squeegee, Windex and paper towels. They enjoyed the task and I enjoyed teaching them how to clean the windows properly.
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| Before: Dirty Window |
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| After: Dirty Grill |
4 comments:
We read over that today for FHE. I didn't realize it was so old. I don't remember hearing of it before my kids were in mutual. Huh. Anyway, I also love the added emphasis on pornography and electronics. Sad that it's needed, but glad it's being addressed. Loved the window!
The last mission president's wife (of the Colorado Springs, CO mission) gave a talk before they left about what parents need to be doing to prepare their children to serve missions. She said a huge problem was that missionaries were coming to the field without knowing how to work...no job experience and no chores at home. Completely clueless and unable. I'm not sure when we became so entitled. I'm so glad they've included it in the new pamphlet.
Good for you, Jord, to both know how to work and to teach that to your kids. Work is great, and the more you do it, the more you like it. Thanks for the good post.
I've been meaning to comment for some time. I love this! I actually have a draft saved in my blog about teaching my kids chores. Just been too busy to finish it! (is that ironic somehow?)
I think knowing how to work hard is a dying skill these days! One of the things I've noticed is that young adults struggle once they've grown and get married. Some young adults in my life have such a hard time holding jobs and managing their homes without kids even! It is a huge fear of mine to raise kids who are not self reliant. Go Jordan!
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