Expo offers advice on raising kids

PROVO — Religion and family strength can help parents raise children — even teenagers — despite the challenges of the modern world, presenters said Thursday and Friday at the ninth annual Family Expo at Brigham Young University.

Researchers, therapists, scholars and others shared scientific studies, models for conflict resolution and hope with a Latter-day Saint perspective during workshops that also included strong words about the perception among Christians that the traditional family structure is under attack.

In today's world, said emeritus BYU professor Truman Madsen, "too many want gratification without love, love without covenants (marriage), marriage without partnership, partnership without children, children without care or concern, care and concern only for what is convenient."

Scientific studies of LDS families have shown that religiosity and family connections help children avoid delinquency, develop self-esteem and achieve academically, said BYU professors Brent Top and Bruce Chadwick.

Studies by Top and Chadwick show that LDS families who pray and study scriptures together and hold regular Family Home Evenings — a weekly night devoted to family activities and religious teaching — see long-term benefits for the children.

Chadwick, a sociologist, said the studies underscore advice given by church leaders and strongly reiterated in a First Presidency letter in February 1999 and at a World Leadership Conference in January.

"Statistically, it works," said Top, a religion professor. "If you want your children to do better in school, have Family Home Evening, family prayer and family scripture study. If you want your children to have self-esteem and avoid immorality, have those activities."

Top and Chadwick were among the favorite presenters of Beverly Shupe and her daughters, Robyn Mortensen and Misty Lewis, who traveled from Arizona for the Expo and to attend LDS General Conference today. The family regularly attends the Expo, and Shupe's daughters-in-law sometimes join the group.

"The guys go hunting. We do this," Shupe said.

Mortensen enjoyed the workshops because of their applicability.

"I love this because it's exactly what I'm in right now with kids, marriage," Mortensen said. "It's just what I'm interested in right now."

The challenges are imposing. Top mentioned a recent TV interview of Elder Neal A. Maxwell, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve. "It is easier," Maxwell said, "to be the CEO of General Motors than a parent."