I have been a mother for 12 years now. And as my children increased in number, my excitement for Conference somehow diminished. I asked myself, “Am I going inactive?” “Have I gone so far from the straight and narrow path?” These questions may sound dire but although I’m probably just overthinking, deep in my heart, I fear positive answers to them. During General Conference Broadcast, I am faced with a myriad of challenges and I am pretty sure, in one way or another, we can all relate.

Do I Listen to the Speakers or to My Child?

My children cannot keep quiet for long. They always have something to say and questions to ask. They ask pretty good questions but there are times when they are plain silly. “Mum, why is President Nelson’s head so shiny?” How can I then keep a straight face and keep quiet dignity when faced with questions like that? I needed to remind myself that I am a mother to my children first, before I am a member listening in the congregation. My children first learn from me before they learn from General Authorities speaking in Conference. So I brace myself and answer their questions the best way I can.

Do I Take Notes or Do I Carry my Sleeping Child in My Arms?

Taking down notes for impressions I get and words that inspire me has been one of the highlights of my General Conference experiences, and it is important to me that I keep a notebook for that specific reason. Another perk for taking down notes is that it keeps me awake throughout the 2-hour sessions. But now, in my years of motherhood, my children doze off during Conference and I have needed to carry them. Maybe it is because of the Tabernacle Choir’s music or the perfect chapel temperature and lighting — they doze off almost altogether and obviously, taking down notes sometimes becomes impossible. Their sleeping spell is even contagious. I sometimes find myself dozing in the middle of a talk. Feelings of frustration can be overwhelming at times like this but then I ask myself, “Would you rather have other people carry your children and smell their head and feel their heartbeat?”

Do I Attend General Conference Broadcast or Do I Stay at Home?

Despite all the craziness, I’d still choose to gather with the Saints in chapels for General Conference Broadcast. I understand that I can’t “perfectly” prepare for General Conference, but I want to “intentionally” prepare to do so. Even if I cannot listen well, I think it’s okay. I gather with the Saints and bring my children with me. I know that if I do this, my children will eventually see the importance of gathering for Conference where possible. They may not learn from the speakers but they will surely learn from us. They will be able to see the reverence we give to this sacred event.

There are times when situations do not allow us to watch General Conference with the Saints as a congregation. But I strongly feel that if we can, and if circumstances allow, it’s good to go to Stake Centers or Chapels and bring our children with us. I really feel that when the Saints gather, the heavens smile and miracles happen. Things will get better. It will not always be chaotic. Our children will grow up and we will miss all the mess they create. So for now, while we still can, we should experience General Conference with them. These will be moments we can remember for the rest of our lives.

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Aside from the “Come, Follow Me” manual, I have found a lot of things we can use to increase attention span and improve how we teach our children in a home setting.

Use Church Youtube Channels and Websites

There are a number of Youtube channels that showcase videos and even karaoke songs that help us deliver lessons to young children. The following links below are good examples:

1.https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcV3DaWnvf2j-Dl1w7nNyA
2.https://www.youtube.com/user/MormonMessages

lds.org is also a very good resource. Try the following links:

1.https://www.lds.org/children?lang=eng
2.https://www.lds.org/media-library?lang=eng

Make Object Lessons

It is sometimes difficult to give lessons on faith, repentance or the Atonement that are geared towards young minds. If we use day to day objects and situations that they can relate closely with, we may find it easier to teach them gospel principles. The Savior provided a powerful example in His use of parables. We can also make modern-day parables to share with our children the points of doctrine of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Grab Every Teaching Opportunity

A question asked, a moment that happened, at meal times, during commute – these are all teaching opportunities. It is ideal to sit down and talk to our children discussing topics from the “Come, Follow Me” manual. However, it is not the only time or setting when we can have a gospel discussion. The Holy Ghost can manifest truths to us and to our children in places and in situations when we need inspiration the most. We need not wait until we sit down and open with a prayer and a hymn. We can take advantage of every minute when a teaching opportunity is available.

Get Back to Basics (Scriptures, Gospel Art Kit, Family Home Evening Manual, Music, etc.)

No matter what new website or latest app, nothing can replace the valuable resources already provided for us. The scriptures must never be replaced when it comes to where we base all our lessons. The Gospel Library is replete with beautiful texts and images we can use to teach our children but what if there is no power or our electronic gadgets fail? Having a gospel library in print at home is a big help. It is fundamental. If we still do not have one at home, let us start with completing the four standard works – The Book of Mormon, The Holy Bible, Doctrine & Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price. Eventually build a gospel library at home adding a book or two that can be used to increase gospel knowledge. This is a good investment so children will develop a love for reading and searching the scriptures.

It is a challenge for young parents with small kids to create a learning atmosphere like that of the primary classes they have at church. Gathering them in a formal setting is already hard enough. Getting them through the whole lesson is a Herculian task. We just need to roll up our sleeves and use the creativity that God has given us. Each family has setups unique to them. We cannot compare ours with others but we can learn from them. Let us open our eyes and our hearts for inspiration that may come our way as we strive to center our gospel learning inside the four corners of our home. This is an opportunity for us to practice more fully our responsibility to teach our children and nurture their testimonies.

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But who are we kidding? There is no Santa Claus… As much as I want my children not to read this article and get upset, I also want to address the “Santa Clauses” out there – the parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends – who will be busy with the Christmas rush. We can all learn a thing or two from Saint Nick.

Determine if They are Naughty or Nice

Like the Law of the Harvest, let us not forget that children need to learn that they will reap what they sow. Let us connect our gifts to how they have been throughout the year. Like Santa Claus, we must show that good things come to those who are good. If we must give them gifts even if they have been “naughty”, may we have the time to explain to them that they need to do better. Naughty or nice, we love them just the same. We just need to make sure that we love them enough to train them to be good people.

Make a List and Check Twice

I love how Santa is very organized. He makes lists! And not just that… He checks twice! This is a very good thing to emulate. Christmastime is the busiest season of the year with all the parties and activities. It is very easy to get caught up in the hustling of the holidays. Having a list of the things that we need to do and the people that we need to reach out to, can help a lot. Our children may have hinted at the things that they want. Writing them down and checking the list before we go out and buy gifts is a practical way to save time and money. This way our gifts are more meaningful because they will know that we have remembered to get them what they really wanted instead of getting them the generic things that were on sale.

Let Them Wait

I used to imagine Santa sneaking into the house on Christmas Eve to place presents under the tree for me to open on Christmas morning. But I must admit that once, I asked myself, “Why doesn’t he give gifts earlier, like on December 1st?” Patience is indeed a virtue! For when I waited for Christmas morning before opening my presents, the feeling was more gratifying. I think it’s the wait that adds value to the whole experience. Children need to learn delayed gratification so they will know how to “bridle all (their) passions”.

Tap the Power of the Elves

Let’s face it! Sometimes, we just can’t do it by ourselves. Some gifts are just expensive. Sometimes, they can be impossible considering the wild imagination of children. Or there are times, that we do not have enough time and we get frustrated that we did not get the gifts we wanted to give to the kids. While Santa has his little helpers, we too can ask for help from family (this includes our children) and friends. We need not do it all by ourselves. We can ask for ideas on how to get things or how to orchestrate scenes. Help is always available especially in this digital age when communication is much easier.

Don’t Forget to Relish the Milk and Cookies

When the work is done, don’t forget to savor the moment of being thanked and appreciated. Take time to live in the present (not the gift but the time) and just be there with your children. I know we have a lot of things to do afterwards, especially the electricity bill from all the Christmas lights that we put up. But that can wait. Everything else can wait. Spending time with our children on Christmas is something that they will look back to when they grow up. And take extra time to bask in their smiles and hugs and thank-yous and I-love-yous. For in this, the Christmas fuss is all worth it. While Santa enjoys his milk and cookies that kids leave for him on Christmas Eve, let us enjoy the sweet moments with our children on Christmas Day.

We may not give them gifts wrapped in fancy papers and bows but it is my prayer that we give our children memories and lessons that will add value to their mortal journey. Christmas is the best time to help them learn about patience, empathy, gratitude, goodness, love, joy and family. But then again, as the song says, the secret of Christmas is “not the things you do (or give), at Christmas time; but the Christmas things you do (or give) all year through.” May the Spirit of Christ be with us throughout the year and may we find joy in His undying love for all of us.

Merry Christmas everyone!

The post What I Learned from Santa Claus About Giving Gifts to Our Kids appeared first on morefaith.ph.

However bleak the idea may be, my heart found strength in the knowledge that my Heavenly Father has my back. I then made a list of reasons why I need not doubt.

I Have the Gospel and I Can Teach Them the Plan of Salvation

Knowing the Plan of Salvation, we draw inspiration from the knowledge that there is a purpose to mortality. We understand where we came from and why we are here on Earth. It is inspiring to know that I will have opportunities to tell my children of a loving Heavenly Father and of the Great Atoning Sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. The world, with all that is unfair in it, is made brighter by the Gospel. Armed with this testimony, I have an assurance that the future is as bright as our faith. Our faith may not shield us from all the negative things in life but it will raise us to a level of understanding that makes sense of it all.

When we teach our children the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we can rest assured that they will have the right foundation to base their life on.

Heavenly Father Depends on Us to Give His Spirit Children Physical Bodies

Equipped with a physical body and able to conceive children within the bonds of marriage, we have one of the greatest errands divinely given to God’s children – to be procreators with God to bring His spirit children to earth. I am often reminded that when we are on the Lord’s errand, we are entitled to His help. When it comes to bearing children, I am confident that my Father in Heaven will never leave me helpless. Parenthood is not easy but help is always available. Call upon the Lord through prayer and He will always hear you. He is counting on us to bring about His work in carrying out His plan.

Let Us Not Deprive Them of This Mortal Experience

When the foundations of the earth were laid, “all the sons of God shouted for joy” (Job 38:4-7). It must have been such a glorious moment when we learned in the premortal world that we would be able to come to Earth and experience mortality. But since passing through the veil of forgetfulness, we cannot fully recall that experience. Nevertheless, this gift of mortality must be undergone by all of God’s children. If we feel that we do not need to bring children into this world, we are, in a way, limiting opportunities for Heavenly Father’s spirit children to come and experience mortality. Not all of us have the opportunity and/or capacity to bear children but we all have the power of choice to love and take care of them. We all have different circumstances in life, but I believe we can be united in the knowledge that we have been given the chance to be here on Earth, so let us make the same opportunity available to others as well.

As world conditions tend to be unfavorable for parents bringing children into mortality, let us not forget that there is a Plan for us to find joy in this life. May we continue to be steadfast in our efforts to obey the Lord’s commandments and be true to our covenants. By doing so we will find the peace and assurance that our efforts to bear and nurture children in these trying times are never wasted. I know that the heavens smile upon us as we move forward with faith in building up the Lord’s kingdom here on Earth. So when you begin to doubt if it is still worth it, “Take heart, brothers and sisters. Yes, we live in perilous times, but as we stay on the covenant path, we need not fear.”

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Time Flies so Fast

All the sleepless nights spent feeding, changing diapers, and putting children to sleep felt like forever. Not to mention the meals that needed to be prepared, dishes to be washed, laundry to be done – all these things made me ask, “When will all this stop? Because the truth is, these things are breaking my back and I am so tired.” However, when I looked at my eldest daughter and realized she is going to be a teenager soon, I got confused. Wasn’t it just a while ago that she was still my little girl? Then I felt in my heart a sharp pang of regret. I should have held her more often. I should have kissed her endlessly. The nights are long when you have children. It’s true. But the years are short and if we miss any chance to be there in their lives and having them in ours – we are missing a lot!

Hold Close What is Important

I used to feel very frustrated when nothing seemed done at the end of the day because all I did was carry my baby. That feeling that you need to fold the clothes or finish something up in the kitchen, but you have your hands cuffed by a six-month-old – it is really discouraging! I even complained to my Father that I did not get anything done around the house. His wise answer was, “You are already doing the most important task you have.” Holding a child in my arms made me realize that this is why babies need to be carried and held close. It is because they are more important that any other thing that we need to do. So hold your little ones. Carry them close to your heart and smell their breath and savor the sweet smell of their head.

If You Want to Feel Loved and Needed, Care for a Child

Remember how it feels when a child looks at you with puppy eyes? Or when they scream and kick to get what they want from you? A lot of people in the world today struggle with their self-worth. But if you are taking care of children, you will always feel needed and loved. You will know you need to get up in the morning because someone is depending on you. When babies cry, you can’t help but cater to their needs. You somehow forget yourself and rise to the challenge of unselfish service. Then when their cries turn to smiles and giggles, we get the best compensation there is – we feel loved. Children have that magic in them, and it always works.

You Hold the Future in Your Hands

No matter how fragile they may look now, they are the leaders of the future. We may not leave a grand legacy when we die, but in them we can plant the seeds of a better tomorrow. The little hands that cling to our hair and knock down glasses and bowls will soon build families and communities. The little mouths that scream and drool will sing future songs and proclaim truth and justice. Their small and delicate bodies will soon grow to the mold that is their spirit and in no time, they will shape the world that we will be living in. “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world” so they say. Carrying a child in my arms made me feel optimistic about the future. It gave me a greater purpose and motivation to do better and be better as a mother.

I used to wonder why Heavenly Father made us go through birth and childhood when, in all His power, He could send us to Earth as full-grown human beings. The answers became clearer with each child I held. Through the process we learn, line upon line and grow and develop not just physically but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. The experience is a total learning syllabus. These little ones have no idea that, in the process, they are teaching valuable life lessons to unsuspecting parents. So with all my heart, learn from your little ones. Carry a child in your arms and feel the presence of a loving Father in Heaven who trusts us enough to let us take care of His spirit children. It is such a humbling yet rewarding experience!

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The home is a crucial place to prepare the younger generation to serve a full-time mission. The vision is to get them ready enough that when they enter the MTC, it will already be a review of what they have learned at home. To achieve this goal, children need to get back to the basics.

Teach Them the Doctrine

Family Home Evenings, Family Council, Family Prayer, and Family Scripture Study are avenues to help children know the doctrines of the Gospel. During these times they will learn about the Plan of Salvation. They will be taught principles that govern the lives of true disciples of Jesus Christ. They will also learn practical application of these principles, as they emulate your example. These basic family activities play a vital role in the spiritual maturity of a child. Every home evening, every prayer, every spiritual family activity is a blueprint like the mission field – full of teaching opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Teach Them Self-reliance

Children are exposed to basic self-reliance skills at home. When they are taught to do household chores such as washing the dishes, making their beds, sewing a button on a shirt; they are given opportunities to depend on themselves. It boosts their morale because they have a sense of accomplishment. In the mission field, mother is not there to cook your meals. No one will make your bed for you and you have to clean up after yourself. It is a type of survival skill to know these basic household jobs.

Teach Them People Skills

Social etiquette is more caught than taught. Allow children to play with their peers instead of with their gadgets. Communicate with them by spending more time with them. Allow them to express themselves. It is always an advantage for a child to meet and greet people in person – face to face. This develops their sense of empathy. Bring them to church and take them to visiting and ministering activities. In this time of digital communication, sometimes the essence of being able to truly understand people and touch their lives is obscured by emojis and forwarded messages. Future missionaries must be able, through their own experience, to look people in the eye and express sincerity naturally.

Teach Them How the Spirit Works

How does a burning bosom feel? Children must have opportunities to identify the presence of the Holy Ghost. That warm and comforting feeling whenever they do good or hear something true and eternal must be emphasized. For in those moments they can know for themselves how the Spirit brings truth and light to our attention. This is a crucial part of missionary work. Since the Spirit is the true teacher, children must have an understanding of how to invite Him and how to know that He is present. This way, they can also impart the same understanding of how the Holy Ghost works to their investigators.

The bar has been raised in the standard of missionary service. The age of young men and young women allowed to serve full-time has been lowered to 18 years old and 19 years old respectively. These inspired changes are an indication that the Lord is hastening the work of salvation. Parents can take part in this great work in so many different ways. But no work is of more importance than training future missionaries in these four ways – within their home.

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What concerns me most is not if they learn little in school but if they learn nothing from me. For me, school is but a complimentary program when it comes to a child’s learning. I know I play a big role in the secular well-being of my children but with all the chores and taking care of a baby, I feared I may not be up for the task. I asked the Lord for help to condition my heart and my mind for what is coming. As I looked back to the last school year – things I did alright, things that I needed to improve on and things that I need to stop doing – I realized that there are a few things that I need to stop saying as well.

“Google it!”

The internet is a big help when searching for information. Regardless, I strongly feel I am not really helping them learn if I keep on passing them off to Google whenever they have a question. One reason for this is that as good of a research tool as the internet is, it is also an avenue for distraction. There are things that we can do to minimize kids’ dependence on the internet. We can answer their questions directly if we know the answers to their inquiry. We can also refer them to books. Encyclopedias, dictionaries and other print references are a good way to increase their interest in reading. This way, they will know how to navigate their way through information. They will know the way we did before there ever was the Cloud.

“Were you not listening?”

After school is really taxing. Not only for the children but also for a mother who needs to prepare meals to feed a family of 7. There have been times when my children have asked me questions about their homework and I asked them in return, “Were you not listening?” It’s not that I intentionally wanted to dismiss them. I was just curious how they did not understand when they were the ones sitting in the classroom with a teacher presenting their lesson. Yet the question, from their perspectives, can sound belittling.

We must understand that when kids come to us for help with their homework, it does not always mean they do not know how to do it. It sometimes means they want affirmation from us or they need attention. One of my daughters asks me questions I know she already knows the answer to. Once, after I answered her, she smiled and said, “Are you proud of me, Mum?” Of course I said “Yes… All the time!”

“Go ask your Dad!”

Fathers who are hands-on with their children’s school activities are such a blessing. Yet, children have the tendency to ask Mother for help when it comes to homework and school projects. No matter how smart their father is, I am the one bombarded with, “Why is the sky blue?” and “How do I get the greatest common factor for these fractions?” and “Who is the first person in the Philippines?” When I get overwhelmed with all the fuss, I sometimes turn their curious attention to their father.

There is nothing wrong with that, I guess. Nevertheless, I do not like how I feel after they all go to their father because I haven’t tried helping them at all. It is important that we try our hardest to teach our children before we ask other people to do so. We can also tandem teach with our spouses. This way they can learn from both parents.

“You’ll know when you get older…”

One of the biggest questions in life is, “How are babies made?” Have you ever thought of how you would teach this topic to a 4-year-old? I have… But nothing can prepare you for the actual moment when your toddler pops that million-dollar question. Fearing that I may not be able to deliver the lecture properly, I thought it would be so much easier to tell my daughter, “You’ll know when you get older…” But there is danger to this strategy.

What if they get the information from somewhere else? Can we be assured that they will be taught the sanctity of the procreation process? Or will the information be presented in a malicious way? Sometimes we underestimate the capacity of our children to process information. Because of that, we limit their capacity to learn. Whenever a child asks questions, make it an opportunity to teach them. They will always find an answer. It is assuring to know that we, their parents, are the ones who gave it to them.

In Doctrine and Covenants 93:42, it states “You have not taught your children light and truth, according to the commandments; and that wicked one hath power, as yet, over you, and this is the cause of your affliction.” One of the purposes of coming to this life is to learn. As parents, we hold a sacred trust to teach our children. Consequences for obeying or disobeying this mandate are very apparent and far reaching. The adversary is ever-diligent in his desire to misinform and mislead our little ones, and we must not let him. We need to learn ourselves and then teach our children light and truth, so they will not be deceived by the snares of Satan. We cannot hand this over to school or to Google or to other people. It is our sacred duty.

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Growing up with a father who took seriously his role in my life and seeing how my husband handles our five girls, I have seen other important roles that fathers fill in the lives of their daughters.

Cheerleader

A peptalk coming from a father can mean so much to his daughter. To have someone you love believe in you and the things you are capable of doing is really something powerful. When fathers constantly reinforce the good in their daughters, they create a strong and confident young woman. We often attribute this role to mothers, but fathers who show up at their daughters’ dance recitals or recognition ceremonies make a big difference in the self-esteem of their little girls.

Fashion Consultant

Men usually don’t talk about fashion as much as women do. Nevertheless, a father who has a say in what his daughter wears can influence the way she dresses for the rest of her life. The way a woman clothes herself says a lot about how she respects her God-given body. Nobody understands this better than a father who makes sure that his daughter dresses appropriately. When fathers help their daughters understand, given their unique perspective as males, that she is more beautiful when she is modest, she will not conform to the vulgar fads of her time. She will know how to dress the way a daughter of God would dress.

Love Expert

Fathers are husband figures for most daughters. Because it is impossible to clone them, daughters often look for someone who is as close to their fathers as possible to become their partners in life. This happens even if they are not consciously aware of it. It is an influence that a girl feels as she grows up in the loving care of her father. The tips and advice that come from a father with regards to dating and courtship are crucial in the selection of their future spouses. And the way they treat their daughters will influence how they expect men to treat them as well. For girls, what they know about men largely depend upon how they see their fathers.

Financial Adviser

As the provider of the family, a father can influence how girls see money. Ideally, women take care of the home, but that does not mean that women do not need to know how to handle money. On the contrary, managing a home means being an expert in budgeting. A father who teaches his daughter how money works will give her a better financial IQ. Fathers have strong moral authority to do so being the ones who provide money for the household. So when a father gives advise on the wise use of money, a daughter will be more likely to take it to heart. And this is much more so, if she can see frugality and money consciousness in his example of earning a livable income and paying tithes honestly, to mention a few.

The influence of a father is not just something seen in the major roles that he plays in the lives of his daughters. It is in the little details of her life that a father makes a lasting impression in the heart of his little girl. They say that if you want to give her everything, give her your time. Indeed it is true that the moments a father spends with his daughter, however simple, will mean the world to her. Eventually, it will determine the woman she will become.

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Patience

Taking care of a child has its ups and downs. They can bring you immeasurable joy and indescribable headaches. Bringing up children teaches us patience. Patience to ignore the mess in the house so you can make sure the child feels loved. Patience to endure the longing for company. Patience to understand their unspoken demands. The patience needed to understand. My little Eli also helps me learn patience in a different way. At a young age, my boy shows me his way of being patient through his actions. There is wisdom in Christ’s invitation to be like little children.
 

Love

Myra tells how her children help her develop love. “These kids are so pure. Even in the simplest ways, my kids show me that they love me. From cooking me simple meals to making me cards, they never fail to make me realize that it is in the little things that we can find love.” It’s amazing how a child slowly awakens special feelings of love in one’s heart. Having Eli in our lives has also helped my husband and I understand the attribute of love in our lives.

Faith

One mother shared how her child has helped her develop a deeper faith and trust in the Lord. She said, “I remember the first time Jacob fell sick. We were very worried that time and we did not know what to do at all. During that time, my husband and I pleaded a little more to the Lord about what to do. We put our trust in him that everything would be well for our baby. Having Jacob and having new sets of trials as parents truly strengthened our faith and testimony that the Lord is mindful of His children.” Parenthood doesn’t come with a manual. When difficult times come, you learn to turn to the Lord and put your trust in Him.
 

Charity

“It seems like it’s second nature. When you have your child, you immediately give up some of the things that you love. You give all of your time, attention and effort to your child. It’s a new kind of love,” says Toni, a mother of a 5 month-old baby. Accepting a child in your life entails sacrifice. Gradually, you become more selfless. The feelings of your children, their happiness, come first. My father is one of the most selfless people I know. Growing up, he never worried about what he needed. He just made sure our needs were met first. He is my example of sacrifice.

I remember a few weeks after giving birth, I looked disheveled because of catering to Eli’s every need. My friend, Jade, said something that stuck with me until now. “Children are indeed a way for you to earn your PhD in Christ-like attributes.” And she’s right. The words of Jean A. Stevens still echo in my mind. She said

“If we have a heart to learn and a willingness to follow the example of children, their divine attributes can hold a key to unlocking our own spiritual growth.” (Become As A Little Child, April 2011 General Conference)
 

Develop Christlike Attributes With Children

Let us be grateful for the little ones we hold in our arms. They are the Lord’s instruments to help remind us everyday what qualities we should aspire to: qualities that we see in our little children. May we always be reminded of our eternal goals through the help of our little ones.

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Here are 4 things that might be causing sibling rivalry in your home:

Jealousy

Children are born with different interests and talents. Some excel in academics, some in arts, sports, or other extra curricular activities. Jealousy arises when the successes of each child are treated differently. Parents must know that children are very sensitive and observant. No matter how small the achievement is, parents must recognize and acknowledge the efforts of each child. It would also be helpful to celebrate the success of one child as the success of all.

Competition

When siblings are good at the same thing, competition may arise and may result in each one asking, “who’s better at it?” Parents have a huge role in helping the children understand that knowing who is better at doing something is not as important as knowing that everyone will be best at it if they work together, and help each other be their best.

Age Difference

Some households may have children who are 4-5 years apart. This age gap may cause some fights because their level of thinking, understanding and priorities are different. This is completely normal. Fights, if not avoided, can become minimal, when parents understand both sides and not blame anyone. It can be helpful if parents counsel the children together and let each child voice his/her concerns. This can clarify misunderstandings and help children understand each other.

Parental Praise

This may sound obvious but, children crave parental attention and praise. Parental praise if not given equally may result in envy and arguments among children. Every child in the house is worthy of praise and attention. If there is any child who needs special attention and care, parents must explain to the other children why.

These are just some of the causes of sibling rivalry. But if parents and children work together, there can be peace and harmony in the household, and the Spirit of the Lord shall dwell therein.

Read more at moronichannel.org

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