"WILL MY CHILD BE READY? Ideas for Preparing Future Missionaries of All Ages,” edited by Emily Freeman and Merrilee Boyack, Deseret Book, $16.99, 129 pages (nf)
“Will My Child Be Ready? Ideas for Preparing Future Missionaries of All Ages,” is a book for mothers of future missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — and this does not just mean high school seniors getting ready to put in their mission papers.
The book has 14 essays written by six mothers who didn’t wait until the last minute to prepare their children for service, but who began early, even in the toddler years.
And while scripture study, LDS Church attendance and other gospel principles were written about in this book, it wasn’t just these things alone that were the focus in preparing future missionaries. Things like being able to prepare meals, do laundry, sew a button, set goals, be self-reliant, responsible, courteous, kind, clean, helpful, live providently — all things that every parent should be teaching their children — were in the book.
The writers, whom all sent children off on missions, shared wonderful stories to help illustrate the points that were made with each section having accompanying quotes from LDS Church leaders, scripture and references from the Missionary Handbook.
At the end of each chapter, there are three bullet points: “What they need to know,” “What they need to do” and “What they need to be.” These points help remind readers what they just read and give a good reference point for parents to return to when needed.
The book was compiled by authors and missionary mothers, Emily Freeman and Merrilee Boyack, who also contributed stories to the book.
The advice and tips in “Will My Child Be Ready?” can help parents prepare future missionaries at an early age, to not only serve a Mormon mission but to be a kind, loving, responsible adult as well.
The book is 129 pages and can easily be completed over the course of a day or two, with pen in hand for taking notes. This is not a one-time read but one to read many times over the years.
Arianne Brown is a mother of six young children, and an Altra, PROBAR, Nuun, and Unshoes sponsored athlete. For more writings by her, search "A Mother's Write" on Facebook, or follow her on Twitter @A_Mothers_Write.