The Family

 I have had growing families on the brain recently. My Brother and his lovely wife are expecting their first child. My sister-in-law recently had her 6th child, and Daniel and I are now expecting our 3rd. I just sent my brother a manual entitled:Family Guidebook, put out by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. The book is free and is described as follows: "This guidebook is for all members, especially new members and those who have limited experience in the Church. It outlines the purpose and organization of the family and contains information on how to teach the gospel in the family, how to fulfill family responsibilities, how the family can be a Church unit, and how to perform priesthood ordinances and blessings." I found this resource last year after a heated debate raged though our ward. The debate was over what was an appropriate way to teach your children about, specifically, moral issues and sexuality. Being a relatively new parent and not having to deal with such issues at the time I was at a loss myself.  What is too much? What is not enough? I was thrilled to find a respected source for more then just moral issues.

 
A Parent's Guide tells you how to teach your child trough each stage of development from birth to marriage and beyond.
  I only wish I had thought to look to the Church earlier. I know that they are dedicated to the family. The General Authorities gave us specific council in 1995 in "The Family: A Proclamation to the World." I quote, "Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations." That is an awesome and serious responsibility. But as in all things we are not left alone to muddle it all out. So I turned to the Church's online Store and discovered a dearth of resources that are available. I got them all! Daniel and I went over each booklet and pamphlet in companionship study and I relished each piece of advice. We quickly put into practice a few suggestions to our family's continued happiness. 
  Now, because I hope that I am not the only clueless parent out there I highly recommend checking out these resources.  Use them or not, but I wanted you to know of their existence just in case you were wondering if there was any help out there. Thanks for reading my rant. I'll get off my soapbox now.