“Lessons of Resilience from Childhood,” Liahona, March 2013, 12
Lessons of Resilience from Childhood
—Lyle J. Burrup
When I was a child, many adults in my life—parents, neighbors, teachers, and Church leaders—taught me and my brother and sisters the following lessons. These five principles may be helpful for your children:
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Paying the price for privileges.
I knew that freedom to play with my friends in the coming days depended on whether or not I came home on time.
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The law of the harvest.
If I wanted money, I had to deliver the newspapers for my route and collect the money each month.
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Personal accountability and responsibility.
I had to complete my own homework, science fair projects, and merit badges.
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The law of restitution.
I could make up for misbehavior by apologizing and repairing the wrong. My parents sometimes suggested that I complete extra chores, such as pulling weeds.
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Learning from mistakes.
If I made my bed poorly, did not wash the dishes properly, or did not pull weeds properly, I had to redo these tasks correctly.