Late.

So I defnitely have had an INSANE month.........and therefore.....completely spaced on blogging. For like 2 weeks. I know, I know,...total fail. So, here's me, being a loser and finally getting it done! First missed blog entry:

On 11/14 we learned about power and conflict. Power is influence and there are 6 types: 1) coersive [threat of punishment], 2) reward [get something positive out of it], 3) legit [right to ask, duty to respond], 4) expert [knowledge, background, experience], 5) referent [reverence, respect, love], 6) information [explain why]. Conflict is clashing or disharmony of views. It can be dangerous and opportunistic and we need to learn ways of addressing conflict. We also learned the "how", "when", and "then" of criticism. How: reprove betimes with sharpness. When: the Spirit tells. Then: show increase of love.


Second missed bog entry:

We learned about counseling methods. Here are the important aspects:
- seek the truth (what Heavenly Father wants)
- concensus/unanimous decision (of the Lord's will)
- be very open an honest
- combining ideas can trigger additional ideas
- make an effort to get a confirmation from the Lord
- express: love, affection, concern (unifies)
- when we do things Heavenly Father's way, his grace will attend us
- have an agenda (order, prepare, set aside sacred time)
- pray (to invite the Spirit; begin and end with; gratitude)
- if you don't act on impressions, the Spirit won't continue to direct you
- it's not just about the decision, but the growth of the participants involved
- the most important counsels take place in the home
- have bonding time afterwards to relax and refresh
- there is a huge difference between concensus (everyone wins) and compromise (losing some)



And now for TODAY'S entry:

This past week, we learned about the purposes of parenting. You may ask, why parent? Welp, here's what we came up with!:
- to develop patience
- to teach us
- helps prepare us for our heavenly roles
- it changes our relationship with God (makes us more understanding)
- we learn and grow a lot alongside our children
- it is a selfless opportunity

Also, we need to remember to see children as individuals, not objects or obstacles.*

There are also 3 types of parenting styles: 1) permissive (no consequences - reacting), 2) authoritarian (excessive punishment - reacting), and 3) authoritative/active (proactively working). The best is active parenting, which includes focusing on children's needs, and protecting & preparing them to survive and thrive in the world.

Lastly, we discussed a list of "balist characteristics":
- cooperation
- mutual respect (teach through example)
- responsibility
- having courage and encouraging



SO MUCH incredibly amazing stuff to learn from this class! I absolutel L<3VE it! :)