I’ve been thinking about the argument “but kids need structure!” for some time now. The mentality seems to be, “Yes kids can have some autonomy, BUT they need to be controlled a little bit too.”
I’ve come to the conclusion that kids DO need structure, but it’s not what most people think. It’s not a flawless bedtime routine, three perfect meals a day, or strictly delegated chores.
I’m not saying these things don’t work for some families
BUT the one “structure” that ALL kids truly NEED is a parent whose character is steadfast and immovable. A parent who can stand still in any storm. No external structure is as valuable or necessary as your internal structure.
I'm thrilled that one of my friends from law school, Paris Thomas, could join me for this episode. From an outsider's perspective, his childhood was very lacking in the "structure" department. His dad was incarcerated, his two older brothers were killed in gang violence, and he experienced several years of homelessness.
Yet in spite of it all, Paris went on to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the Navy. He ran for office at the age of 28. He went to law school. And he's now working as a prosecutor.
And Paris credits all of this accomplishment to his mother—the woman who gave him the structure of her character rooted in Christ. In this episode, he shares stories of how she laid the foundation for Paris's remarkably giving spirit, even in the midst of constant trial and hardship.
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