This week’s topic was on parenting. President Monson stated, "To you who are parents, I say, show love to your children. You know you love them, but make certain they know it as well. They are so precious. Let them know. Call upon Heavenly Father for help as you care for their needs each day as you deal with challenges which inevitably come with parenthood. You need more than your own wisdom in rearing them." Everyone really needs to know they are valued, and their contributions are needed. Children can sometimes feel starved for attention and love, and then try different methods such as bad behavior to get attention.

In our class we also discussed disciplining children. We talked about the natural consequences of bad behavior being the best discipline. Natural consequences make sense to me because when I think back on important lessons I have learned in my life it was not because my parents gave me a great lecture. I was able to learn the lesson by experience. Natural consequences do have some important caveats which include the consequence being dangerous to the child, the consequence realized years down the road, and if the consequence harms or is dangerous to others. Drugs would be an example of a natural consequence that is dangerous to the child. Bad grades would be an example of a natural consequence that would take years to fully realize the consequences. Shoplifting would be an example of a consequence that harms others. Leaving the discipline to natural consequences are not always the best way.

The most important idea to me was encouraging children on the good things they do so they can feel loved, and not be discouraged.

"Fathers and Finances" was the next chapter we studied in Family Relations class. I wrote a paper on the importance of fatherhood, and as a source I used an article by David Blakenhorn titled Fatherless America: Confronting Our Most Urgent Social Problem. This article talks about a direct correlation between the absence of fathers in the lives of their families and many of the social problems our society is facing currently.
 We also discussed in class that many marital problems have to do with money.  We read a very helpful talk titled One For The Money by Marvin J Ashton. He gave twelve rules  to help families be financially secure.  The first three rules include pay an honest tithe, learn to manage money before it manages you, and learn self-discipline and self-restraint in money matters. This talk was my favorite reading required for this chapter. I would highly recommend it.

A chapter we have discussed in class was titled, “Communication and Mutual Problem Solving”. Love in the family unit can be strengthened as members listen and counsel with each other. President Ezra Taft Benson has stated, “Your most important friendships should be with your own brothers and sisters and with your father and mother. Love your family. Be loyal to them. Have genuine concern for your brothers and sisters.” Communication is an important part of building friendships, showing loyalty, and loving within the family. We also discussed the importance of family counsels. When there are problems to solve family counsels can be helpful so that each individual member can contribute to a solution.