Did I teach them everything they need to know?
Do they know what is most important in this life?
Are they prepared to build a happy home?
On the way home from East Canyon last August, I was thinking and wondering if I will have taught my kids everything they need to know before they leave home. Tyler and I have been married 11 years and in another 9 Kiersten will be 18 and ready to move on. What is essential and valuable for a kid to know before leaving home? Just some thoughts I've had of so far:
- how to check the oil and other fluids in a car
- how to sew on a button and mend clothing
- how to actually cook and not just follow directions on a box
- how to load the dishwasher
- how to mow and trim a lawn
- how to clean a bathroom
- how to run a vacuum
- how to run the clothes washer and dryer
- how to talk on the phone to professionals (call and make their own appointments)
- how to balance a checkbook
- how to swim well enough to not be afraid of the water
- how to read and not just the back of a cereal box
- have you been introduced to the best books
- have you been taught how to learn and not just memorize what's needed for a test
- how to pump gas
- how to sort the laundry (don't put a red sock in a batch of whites)
- how to set up a filing system
- (Erik would like me to teach him to drive a car and to type)
- you're a child of God
- I love you often enough
- money and things don't matter; you will deal with money on a daily basis, so you should learn to manage money before it manages you, but don't let it be the driving force in your life; money is a means to make life for others and yourself happier, but it is not the end
- family and the relationships you build bring lasting happiness
- to do one small act of service every day; it's a great way to boost that self-esteem barometer
- there is power in music; learn to play an instrument; be careful what you listen to
- to talk to your Heavenly Father and not just say prayers; He's real and He knows your name, what you like, what you are feeling, your thoughts
- to fast with real meaning and purpose, not just going hungry for 2 meals
- that sufficient faith will help you endure to the end–endure well to the end–when the trials of life hit (and they will)
- to pay an honest tithe
- how to discover the scriptures and the small gems that are hidden in them
- how to prioritize your time; we're all given 24 hours–make the most of it
- working physically hard with your hands pays great dividends–it not only makes your employer (or mom) happy, but will yield confidence and self-respect
- mornings are the best part of the day; don't let it escape to sleep
No comments:
Post a Comment