Does Teaching Cause Learning?

Teaching, Learning, and Love

    In this post, I am going to discuss the teaching aspect of parenting. Parents are responsible for teaching their children the truth and righteousness. It might cause a lot of anxiety for some parents and seem to be an easy task for others.  However, teaching children is a sacred responsibility. Parents are preparing their children to face the world and the challenges of this life. Thus, whatever they teach should be significant and wise. Parents use various methods and patterns to teach children. Often, it just does not work. If you are a parent, you might have experienced a time when you did not know what to do about this. What many parents do not realize is that teaching does not happen in one day. Teaching is a continuous process that starts while the child is still in her mother's womb. It is a false belief that infants do not understand or learn before they can speak. Parents are observed by their children all the time, whether they realize it or not.  They observe behaviour, attitudes, speech, manners, etc. Let’s help our children to learn the best.

    First of all, we need to review some principles about how to teach our children. In Chapter two of “A Parent’s Guide” (1985), by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you can find the following steps for teaching your children:

1.     You and your spouse have to share the responsibility of teaching children. In single-parent homes, the parent can share this responsibility with a Church organization and its members.

2.     You are the first model for your children. So, teach by your right example. Rarely if ever can you teach your child values or principles that you do not have. Children will imitate your behaviour in the future, not your words. Here is a verse that teaches about righteous examples, “The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, there also doeth the Son likewise. “For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel” (John 5:19–20). Always keep in mind that your children are your best observers.

3.     Consistency in behaviour can teach your child more than extreme anger or love. Children need you to be consistent in your attitudes. Remaining calm is more difficult to do than said. Just as children, parents are not perfect either. Nevertheless, it is not impossible to control your anger and emotions. After all, don’t we want our children to do the same?

4.     Counsel your children, listen to them, and teach them. Parents should often hold discussions and councils with their children. It will give you and your child an opportunity to self-disclose.

5.     Pass righteous judgment. It is both parents’ responsibility to praise and correct the child. Parents should teach the children what was done wrong and what are the logical consequences that follow.

6.     Ultimately, you need to maintain a positive environment at home. It is the best setting where teaching can be done. No matter what happens, parents should be in control and bring back the peace.

7.     Regular family home evenings are vital for a healthy home. Families should gather at least once a week if the work schedules are tight. For the best case, families should gather around a meal together every day. In today’s busy world, it might not be as possible as it was several decades ago. However, it is never too late to change a habit.

8.     Share your thoughts and feelings. Now, it includes sharing your experiences, feelings, humour, hobbies, stories, testimony, values, time, activities, goals, etc. I want to emphasize – share your reasons. Share with your children why you do what you do. Explain to them your reasons for decisions. Let your child know who you are and what principles you follow.

9.     Take breaks from the routine. It is healthy for both parents and children. It is not a secret that children take more time from marriage and leave little time for romance. So, organize some weekends with relatives, where your children can enjoy some fun. At the same time, you will be able to go on a nice date!

10. Finally, express love. There is nothing more important that your children need to know about you. They want to know that you love them. This principle will work the magic. It will improve your relationship, which ultimately, will improve every aspect of your parenting. It does not mean that you should not discipline the child. However, he/she needs to know that your love is unconditional.

Now, are you ready to find out more ways to show love?

Watch this short video, where parenting experts explain 5 ways of adding more love to your parent-child relationship.

    If you watched the video, you noted the following five patterns
1. Calm Voice
2. No Violence 
3. Shared Time
4. Security and Limits
5. Children are People

    Well, add some more love to your relationship and enjoy the results!

References

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (1985, January 1). A Parent's Guide by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/a-parents-guide/chapter-2?lang=eng.