8 Ways to Embarrass Your Kids (In a Good Way!)

I read somewhere on the internet that parents embarrass their children 14 times a week. I don’t know about the statistical accuracy of the statement, but I believe that we can all remember a time in our adolescence when we felt our cheeks burn red after some comment, outfit, or dance move. Parents embarrass their kids; that’s just a law of nature. It is widely accepted and expected. In most instances, it is viewed as a bad thing. But here, I hope to explain a few ways to embarrass your kids in a good way, and I will even try to prove that it is important to do so. Keep in mind that this is coming from the perspective of a young adult not too far removed from those embarrassing grade school days.

1.      Be “Mushy”

This is the one of the most important purposes of parenthood and is one of the easiest ways to be a good parent. Show your kids that you love them! Believe me, affection conveys parental love much better than buying the newest video game or ordering their favorite pizza for dinner. Lick your thumb and wipe something off of their face. Hug and kiss them a lot. Tell them how much you love them and do it in front of people. Publicly display affection at the grocery store, at church, and especially in front of their friends. Kids, teenagers especially, may push you off or get irritated and call you “embarrassing,” but that’s a fleeting feeling. Their worries about what their friends may think don’t matter because you are showing them what you think of them. Knowing without a doubt that your parents love you enough to publicly display it makes a huge impact, especially during the teenage years. It’s an added bonus if friends or anyone else gets to feel that kind of love.

General Conference Coloring Pages

It's so fun to watch friends from high school grow up and do amazing and inspiring things with their creativity.  This week, one of those friends shares with us how she has used her talents to help her in finding the joy in General Conference and how she has been able to share that joy with others.

Secrets of General Conference from a Former Member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

My mother was a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for over fifteen years, retiring seven years ago. As most people know, Choir Members are called and set apart as Musical Missionaries. Just like full-time missionaries, choir members must apply and meet religious standards. There is also a rigorous audition process.

People often ask, “Do you have to be a fabulous, professional musician in order to become a member of this choir?” Yes, you must meet certain criteria. However, just being a professional musician does not guarantee a spot; it’s a calling, so the spiritual aspect must fit. Some amazing singers have not gotten in for whatever reason—maybe it wasn’t their time, perhaps the Lord needed their talents in other ways.”

In her nearly two decades as a part of “America’s Choir,” my mom sang in 30 General Conferences, never missing one. She remembers, “Conference was a highlight of my time in the choir.” Thus, each April and October she becomes nostalgic, recalling memories of singing and preparing for some of her most favorite performances. Although she now enjoys watching General Conference from home, she shares some memories and behind-the-scenes secrets from “MoTab.”