By Kaitlynn Christiansen
When I was younger, I had no idea about the importance of Christlike parenting. I started noticing the importance as I attended school and started learning about how the different styles of parenting affect children. Mirrored in the traits of a good, involved parent are the traits the Savior exhibited through his life. There are four specific traits, among the many, that especially strike me.
- Showing Christlike Love
- Teaching the Children
- Practicing Repentance and Forgiveness
- Trusting in Heavenly Father’s Plan
Showing Christlike Love
Growing up is not easy, and children will make many mistakes as they learn. Even if they don’t always listen, or hurt you or each other, there’s nothing that will stop you from loving them. I am sure there are many times in my life that I have done that which is contrary to the Lord’s commandments, and yet He still loves me. No circumstance can change that. Just as no circumstance can sever the love of a Christlike parent for their child.
Teaching Our Children
In the New Testament and throughout other scriptures, we read of the ways the Savior taught the people. We learn so many gospel truths as we read His parables and study their meanings.
As parents, we can learn from how He teaches, especially from the ways that He teaches and interacts with children. The Savior made time specifically to connect with children. In the Book of Mormon, He makes time to visit each and every child, and in the New Testament He tells His disciples to bring the children unto Him. Time after time the Savior, through His example, shows us that teaching children is a necessity.
As we strive to be more Christlike parents, we need to take the time to sit with our children and teach them about the gospel, and other topics of knowledge. That time will help their minds grow and strengthen the bond between you.
Practicing Repentance and Forgiveness
Throughout the scriptures, our Savior invites us to repent, and countless times in my life I have needed to call upon Him for that forgiveness. As we strive to become more Christlike parents, we need to learn how to not only teach our children about the Atonement, but also help our children understand how to ask for forgiveness from Christ and from others throughout their lives.
This is one of the greatest things we can do as parents, and we do this by setting an example.
- When you snap at them in anger, apologize and ask their forgiveness.
- Tell them about times when you’ve had to ask the Lord for forgiveness.
- Teach them that the ability to repent is a gift and not a punishment.
Tell them that when we forgive others we are following the Lord’s commandments and that letting go of anger and bad feelings will help our hearts heal.
Trusting in Heavenly Father’s Plan
In the garden of Gethsemane, the Savior prayed, “If this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.” One of the most vital things that the Savior teaches us is to trust our Heavenly Father and His plan. To do this, we must first strive to trust His will for ourselves, just as the Savior did in the garden.
Becoming a Christlike parent means laying your will and your plans at the feet of Heavenly Father, asking “what is thy will?” Heavenly Father and the Savior both know and love you and your children, and will guide you when you seek their counsel. Lead by example and show your children how to trust in them and their love.
The road to parenting in a Christ-like manner will be a journey. Everyone’s path will look different because every family is different. As we strive to become more like the Savior and lean on Him for support, we will be guided in the right direction, and we will be able to teach it to others with confidence. No parent is perfect, but we can be made perfect through the loving sacrifice of our dear Savior. Talk with your kids about Him and teach them of the love He has for them. He is a vital guide on our journey through life.
For more ideas on how to connect better with your children in a Christlike way, check out our book 30 Days to a Stronger Child.
Kaitlynn Christiansen is an elementary teacher who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Marriage and Family Studies from Brigham Young University-Idaho. She loves to learn and is passionate about educating families about healthy relationships.
Citations:
Bateman, M. S. (2021, March 15). Love Changed Everything. BYU Speeches. https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/marilyn-s-bateman/love-changes-everything/
The Book of Matthew. (n.d.). Matthew 26. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/matt/26?lang=eng
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. (2022, August 24). 12. Primary. 12. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/12-primary?lang=eng
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