Boys to Men

I have to admit that I’m a Dr. Phil fan.  I don’t get to watch it often, but I record it on the DVR and pick and choose an episode once or twice a week to watch while I feed Ian.  He said something today that really stood out to me… “We don’t raise children.  We raise adults.” 

I guess that is just restating the obvious but it reminded me that parenting is not just about now.  As parents our job is to teach our children what they need to know so they can face the challenges of being an adult with the knowledge and skills they will need. The degree to which we do that job has a lot to do with how prepared they are to meet the responsibilities of adulthood with success.

Lately Hyrum has made the connection that as a boy, someday he will grow up to be a “Dad.”  And because he has two brothers now, he commented the other day that “there will be a lot of Dads at our house.”  He’s right and I find confidence in knowing that although I have an influence on raising them to fulfill that role, ultimately they will probably pattern how they act as fathers after their own father.  Luckily Corey is a fantastic Dad! He loves his children and he loves their Mom and always treats me with respect and kindness (even when I’m overwhelmed and grouchy and probably don’t deserve it).  He keeps family as his top priority and people know that at his office wherever he has worked.  He works hard to provide for our family.  He honors his priesthood. And he spends time with the kids creating happy memories for them.  I appreciate Corey so much.  I would be very happy if my boys grow up to be the kind  of father he is to them.