We can read the following quote from one of the websites for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
“When we have knowledge and wisdom, we are better able to discern truth from error and make good choices. Education and literacy are also keys to personal growth, preparation for suitable employment, building strong families, service in the Church, and making a meaningful contribution to the society in which we live.”
Here are a few links to help you increase education and literacy in your family. The links will take you to articles and essays that others have written addressing how to help your children make wise educational choices. The main link is found here. The specific links are below:
- “Encouraging Parents to Teach Their Children”
- “Getting a Jump on Learning”
- “Education Without a Classroom”
- “Getting Involved in Your Child’s Education”
- “The Treasure You Will Take with You”
Personally, I find that in the midst of all other influences, children do take their parents’ lead. For example, a study showed that if children saw their mother reading, those children were twice as likely to engage in reading compared to peers. If the father read, the children were three times more likely to read. And if both parents frequently were seen reading, the kids were SIX times more likely to love reading than peers. Parents’ impact will be felt in the lives of the kids.
I know that my husband and I have had to discuss the impact of the TV. This may not be for others as it was a personal decision, but we decided to get rid of satellite and cable TV, opting instead for a simple TV antenna. This way we’ve simplified our lifestyle to a few local channels and news.
The impact? Our younger children are actually reaching for books instead of a TV remote.
Six weeks later, I’m astonished at the outcome! My children are playing together more nicely and they are seeking activities that actually expand themselves. For example, I found my six year old practicing his penmanship on his own one evening, spending more than 30 minutes in the experience and quietly seemed to enjoy it! And my twelve year old reads books now in her spare time … in spite of her severe learning disabilities!
My children aren’t perfect. They do still quarrel at times and don’t always make perfect choices. But I’ve seen that by allowing space for “education and literacy” in our family lifestyle, my children are progressing much more quickly towards better choices. And their educational skills are increasing.
I’m grateful for modern Church leadership that gives us such sage counsel as that above. I’ll print it again:
” Education and literacy are also keys to personal growth, preparation for suitable employment, building strong families, service in the Church, and making a meaningful contribution to the society in which we live.”
To learn more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the Mormons), feel free to click here.
