What we learn about parenting from God, our Father

Mormons or members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that God is literally our father. He is the father of our spirits. He is the perfect parent and as I experience more of parenting, I am learning how He must feel towards us, His children.

Since I've lived longer, have more life experiences, and a more fully developed brain, I can see what my children need to do to be happy now and later in life. I see the bigger picture.  Our father in heaven sees the biggest picture of all: eternity. "For behold, this is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39).

In order to gain eternal life, we need to keep the commandments. Keeping the commandments also helps us avoid the consequences of sin. But when I set rules and suggest productive habits to my children, I often get an eye roll or a tantrum. My children don't like to be told what to do. They want to make their own choices. I don't like to be told what to do either. I want to make my own choices. Sometimes I have an adult tantrum. I may not want to be the parent my children need because it's too much work or I have other things I'd rather do or it's not fun.

As my children have grown bigger, I've learned a shocking truth. I can't force them to do anything. When they were littler, I could pick them up and take them to their rooms. That's not the case anymore. Our father in heaven knows he can't force us either. One of the essences of our life on this earth is the ability to make choices.

Since I can't force my children to make the choices I know will bring them happiness, I need to follow the example of my loving father in heaven. I need to teach, listen, and love. No matter what my children do, I will always love them. No matter what we do, God will always love us. He is ready to listen, always. And after we're done throwing our tantrum, He has provided a way to return to Him: a savior. His very own son, His flesh and blood, Jesus Christ, atoned for our sins so that when we choose to return, we can, and our Heavenly Father will be ready with open arms to receive us.