Comments on: Sometimes they get it.

By: debbie

debbie — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 23:36:42 +0000

That is lovely. What a great job you are doing.
It does take time and effort to parent intentionally. But the results are so worth it.

By: Stacy

Stacy — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 03:38:07 +0000

New to your blog… Thanks for this post. I’ve been struggling with my own mothering skills lately, and the reminders about “intentional parenting” as well as the talks by Sister Beck were just what I needed tonight.

By: Beth

Beth — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 03:02:17 +0000

That was simply beautiful! I wish I would have been more service orientated growing up as well as teach my children when they were young. Teenagers do not seem to grasp that concept as easy as children.

By: Ra

Ra — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 19:33:01 +0000

What a great post….I always feel I need to better at this, too. You are once again- a great inspiration!

By: Kimberly

Kimberly — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:26:21 +0000

Oh indeed. I love those moments where I find myself turning to Neil and saying, you know, we must be doing something right…that validation is such a blessing.

By: Melanie J

Melanie J — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:23:36 +0000

I am in love with this post and you for writing it, in a Yes on Prop 8 kind of way.

By: Kaylynn

Kaylynn — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:20:10 +0000

Wow, I usually just try to get through the day–I’ve got to listen to Sister Beck’s talk and try a little harder. Thanks!

By: Shoebox Princess

Shoebox Princess — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:57:41 +0000

Boy did I miss out with the intentional parenting thing. Too late for my kids!

By: Jenn-Lee

Jenn-Lee — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:24:25 +0000

I love this post. Thank you for sharing this. We have had similar “meetings” together deciding ways to “intentional parent”. It is so easy to jump off the plan on accident and lose the way for a while. I like the idea of setting aside once a week for specific things. We have been talking about our kids needing more service in their daily lives but I often think we need to do some huge great service project as a family. This is one idea I can totally do. Just a simple act of service to someone. Thanks so much for the idea! Now I am curious what other great parenting things you do once a week are as well. please share anytime.
Hope your day goes wonderful!

By: Zina

Zina — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 05:41:06 +0000

Wonderful! Definitely one of those shining moments. And I do think our kids get it and hear us more than we think they do. (Setting aside the fact that I saw a toy on my upstairs hallway floor this evening that I have sent a certain child to put away–no exaggeration–SIX times now. Maybe the 7th time (and a stiff consequence if she fails) will be the charm.)

In RS on Sunday someone said she had a friend who followed her former mission president’s advice to do something EVERY day, no matter how small, to serve her own family AND someone outside her family. I loved that idea, but it’s a little overwhelming to me, so I think once a week would be a great interim goal (and still be more than I’m doing.)

By: Carolynn @ Willow Tree

Carolynn @ Willow Tree — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 03:23:07 +0000

The last time I took my son to the Dr.’s office he asked for a sticker for his brother and this Mama’s heart swelled. It’s the little things, it’s the love.

Blessings,
Carolynn

By: Becky @ Scripture Mom

Becky @ Scripture Mom — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:03:37 +0000

This is great Stephanie! I love the idea of building service into your weekly routine. We all need to learn (and be taught) that serving others is an important part of life. Thanks for setting such a good example and for sharing this idea!

By: Kristina

Kristina — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:02:39 +0000

I really do think that it’s the little things that will truly matter. Something as small as getting a balloon for his brother.

By: DeNae

DeNae — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:47:23 +0000

Beautiful, and I love the idea of intentional parenting. I’m thinking I need do-over!! You’ll get these payoffs frequently, although sometimes they come from unexpected sources. A school teacher who notices that your child is honest, or kind. A neighbor who wants your son to take care of her house while she’s away because she knows she can trust him. Even your spouse’s employer, who calls to ask questions about the schools in your area because he knows you’re raising good kids and he wants his kids in the same environment.

The moments are fleeting, and you have to be watching for them, but they do come.