BYUI FAML FPP- Role of a Mother and a Father

This week we will explore the role of a mother and father in the home. As parents we sometimes feel that we are not making a difference in the lives our children. We may give up and let the media or society raise our children. Today I want to remind you that it is very important that we are a part of our children’s life.

Mothers 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints Family Proclamation to the world states “Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children.”

A while back I was having a tough day as a mother. I was frustrated with the physical appearance of stretch marks on my body, and my children seem to do the opposite of what I desired. I came across this quote and it has changed my view of stretch marks entirely and helped me realize that I am doing the Lords work. 

It is by Bruce and Marie Hafen and they say "Just as a mother’s body may be permanently marked with the signs of pregnancy and childbirth, he [the Savior] said, “I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.” (1 Nephi 21:15–16.) For both a mother and the Savior, those marks memorialize a wrenching sacrifice—the sacrifice of begetting life—for her, physical birth; for him, spiritual rebirth."

I also read this statement that is too good too paraphrase so I am quoting it for you.

Motherhood: The Ideal Opportunity for Lifelong Learning

Motherhood is the ideal opportunity for lifelong learning. A mother’s learning grows as she nurtures the child in his or her development years. They are both learning and maturing together at a remarkable pace. It’s exponential, not linear. Just think of the learning process of a mother throughout the lifetime of her children. Each child brings an added dimension to her learning because their needs are so varied and far-reaching.
For example, in the process of rearing her children, a mother studies such topics as child development; nutrition; health care; physiology; psychology; nursing with medical research and care; and educational tutoring in many diverse fields such as math, science, geography, literature, English, and foreign languages. She develops gifts such as music, athletics, dance, and public speaking. The learning examples could continue endlessly. Just think of the spiritual learning that is required as a mother teaches about gospel principles and prepares for teaching family home evening and auxiliary lessons in Primary, Relief Society, Young Women, and Sunday School.
My point is, my dear sisters—as well as for the brethren, who I hope are listening carefully—a mother’s opportunity for lifelong learning and teaching is universal in nature. My dear sisters, don’t ever sell yourself short as a woman or as a mother.

A wonderful saying from Successful Marriages and Families that should be posted on your mirror, or fridge or somewhere in your home is this:

“motherhood is part of a woman’s divine identity, her role as mother is defined by a relationship more than a set of tasks." 

Fathers

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints Family Proclamation to the world states "By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families."

Successful Marriages and Families says that "fathering is to accept the responsibility of rearing children, and to assist and give support in doing the work of nurturing, love, and guidance in child upbringing.

Research indicates that fathers who involve themselves and connect with children facilitate greater cognitive development, increased social competence, and empathy toward others.

Research suggests that the quality of a father’s relationship with a child’s mother is the key to making it work.  It involves maintaining a positive relationship with a child’s mother, whether they are married to each other or not."

I think the most important quote that I read that I think could make a difference in the way a father parents is in the article Being a Righteous Husband and Father. President Howard W. Hunter “Earn the respect and confidence of your children through your loving relationship with them. A righteous father protects his children with his time and presence in their social, educational, and spiritual activities and responsibilities. Tender expressions of love and affection toward children are as much the responsibility of the father as the mother. Tell your children you love them.” 

Overall, parenting is a privilege and we should realize that we are the ones to raise our children. No one else is should do it and no one else can do it better than you!