Strive for A's (and B's) this week

  I recently read a book entitled, "Way to Be!" by Gordon B. Hinckley. It was written as a book of virtues for teenagers and their parents. In the book, Hinckley says, "You keep working for A's and in these pages I will give you the B's." I feel these B's are worth repeating to all families.

-First - Be grateful. These two little words can have a big impact on families. Teach your children to be grateful. Teach them to write thank-you notes for gifts and acts of kindness given to them.

  Teach by example. Tell your children thank you for the contributions they make in your family.

-Second - Be smart. We live in a very competitive society. Our children and our families need all the education they can get.

  Teach your children how to study. Teach them the importance of working hard and setting educational goals. Read good books to them. Have your children learn how to read music or play an instrument.

-Third - Be involved. Your family should be involved in their communities and in their schools.

  Join the PTO, help with concessions at a game, coach a soccer team or be a Scout leader. Teach your family to be contributing members of society.

-Fourth - Be clean. Don't let your children watch R-rated movies. Teach children the importance of not using vulgarity or profanity.

  Listen to music that is uplifting and inspiring. Watch clean television shows that are not suggestive.

-Fifth - Be true. Shakespeare said, "To thine own self be true" (Hamlet).

  Teach your children to be true to who they are. Teach them to be true to the land and country they call home. Teach children to be true to their friends. Most importantly, teach them to be true to each other.

-Sixth - Be positive. Teach children to be positive about life. Teach your families to look for the great good in each day.

  Look for strengths in your home and in your relationships with family members. Face your day with optimism and your families will do the same.

-Seventh - Be humble. We must teach our children to have respect and show humility. We must teach them that arrogance and conceit have no place in our families. Teach your children to be humble and teachable.

-Eighth - Be still. The world is busy and noisy. Our families run from one thing to another. Every week, take time with your families to enjoy a relaxing walk or a quiet picnic in the park.

  Your children should not be so scheduled that they do not have time to play and dream. We must take time out of our busy schedule to really talk to our children about their lives.

  This week keep working on those A's, but incorporate a few of the B's also!

  (From Hinckley, Gordon. "Way to Be!" USA: Simon and Schuster, 2002)


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Christina Hawkey, a professor of family studies at Arizona Western College, can be reached at 317-6421 or christina.hawkey@azwestern.edu.