BYU Campus Education Week: Teaching children to make a difference in the world
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PROVO, UTAH
A faith-based education for children helps parents change a world where speaking out morally and ethically has become a societal red flag.
Such was the message given Aug. 19 by Terrance D. Olson, professor in the BYU School of Family Life, as part of his BYU Campus Education Week series, "The Family and the Gospel: A Parent Seminar."
"I'm grateful to see some people here who are trying to make a difference in the world," he began. "I don't know what all of you are trying to do, but my suspicion is you're at least trying to make a difference in your own families, and that's the starting point."
Establishing or continuing a positive heritage is an important first step, he said. This is especially true for parents raised in broken homes who fear duplicating these situations in their own families.
"It only takes one person or one generation to make a difference," he said.
Families should "retreat" from entertainment as the central feature in family interaction, in Brother Olson's words. Rather, families should devote time to service activities that promote a high quality of life. Such involvement develops a strong sense of belonging for children beyond the family unit, especially with local Church members.
"A ward is a place to build citizenship and connectiveness," he said.
As children mature and face increasingly complex challenges, Brother Olson said the way they see their parents use the gospel to confront and overcome trials can have a significant impact on their worldview.
"When your children see that you respond to adversity in faith instead of in despair, they have a starting point to meet the challenges of bullying at school or failing a history test," he said.
Even so, children might still pass through phases of apathy or rebellion toward the spiritual. Brother Olson advised parents to remain positive.
"You want to invite and entice them, even if they spurn it. … We can show mercy while seeking justice."
