AGENCY

In the For the Strength of Youth Pamphlet it says:
"Heavenly Father has given you agency, the ability to choose right from wrong and to act for yourself. Next to the bestowal of life itself, the right to direct your life is one of God’s greatest gifts to you.. . . You (not your parents) are responsible for the choices you make. 

Lately several people have been judging me (as a mother) based on the actions of my children.

For example: I had a friend tell me just this past weekend, "All your kids are welcome at my house except for ____. I've seen the friend he hangs out with!!! (input disgusted face here) I can't believe you would let your child hang out with a friend like that!  We thought you were better parents."

This is just one example out of many, and it's really starting to get on my nerves!!!. Luckily yesterday at church, one of my kid's Sunday School teachers was discussing with me how she encourages her class to bring their scriptures, but only if they want to. She said she will not force anyone in her class to bring their scriptures, to read out loud, or to participate if they do not choose to do so themselves. But its her goal as their teacher to get them to want to do these things. BINGO!!!!

As a parent, I can only teach my children correct principles, and then let them govern themselves.  So please stop judging me, and saying rude things to me. 
I'm trying my best, I really am.