Small and Simple Things

Anyone read Marjorie Pay Hinckley's book Small and Simple Things? I picked it up at the library and it made great bathroom reading material. I found some wonderful gems of wisdom on parenting that I thought I would share here.

"When our children were all at home and making bread was part of the routine, a friend found an antique bread mixer for me. It was a simple bucket with a hook attached to a handle. A clamp secured it to the table and it was operated by the children, who took turns "spelling each other off" as we did away with old method of kneading. It is one of the objects that remains a family treasure because of the part it played in our communal venture of bread making. Even still, the smell of bread baking somehow slows down the world and feeds my soul in a small and simple way."

--I love that she reminds us how simple traditions we do in our home now if we allow our children to get involved will provide treasured memories for a lifetime.

"The trick is to enjoy life. Don't wish away your days, waiting for better ones ahead."

"It is good to kneel as a family and to hear daily expressions of gratitude to our Heavenly Father for the blessings we enjoy. The Lord intended his children to enjoy the good things of life. With all that we have, we must also have grateful hearts. We must teach our children not to take all that they have for granted. Thank you is a wonderful phrase. Use it. It will add stature to your soul. Never let a day go by without saying thank you to someone for something--and especially to your Heavenly Father.

"I know it is hard for you young mothers to believe that almost before you can turn around the children will be gone and you will be alone with your husband. You had better be sure you are developing the kind of love and friendship that will be delightful and enduring. Let the children learn from your attitude that he is important. Encourage him. Be kind. It is a rough world, and he, like everyone else, is fighting to survive. Be cheerful. Don't be a whiner."

--I sure love this because I know I could be so much better at this.

"Children rise higher when they are treated with respect. Use courteous and respectful language when you talk with your children and other. Bruno Bettelheim, a world-famous psychologist, said, "You can't teach children to be good. The best you can do for your child is to live a good life yourself. What a parent knows and believes, the child will lean on." You don't teach a child not to yell by yelling. We cannot expect to be respected if we treat others in demeaning ways."

I didn't even write half of the great quotes here but some of my favorite. If you need a pick me up and inspiring read this is a great one.