Goal: To Develop Individual Self-Reliance In Physical And Spiritual Matters before a Child Leaves Home.  Gordon Taylor 

Self- Reliance Model

Self-Reliance Model

 We discovered years ago the LDS Church Welfare manual Providing in the Lord's Way covered every phase of family temporal and spiritual welfare/self-reliance.  We have used the six topics  in the Self Reliance model on an individual level as the children mature. We usually only cover the topic of interest or concern by each family member or those brought up by the parents in Family Council in the interest of time.
 We also discuss the six areas at a family level such as general education objectives that impact the family and family employment issues like travel or job changes. With finance issues, we generally have a monthly budget report. Impact of general church activities/assignments or changes in family devotionals are all covered here.
Tip: Each area need not be discussed in depth each week but all should be covered over the course of a month.  Having the topics on the agenda however serves as a good reminder.
Excellent additional resources are available at www.providentliving.org

Education

Education include both the children and the parents schooling and continuing education goals and reports. During school this may include projects and tests. Personal talent and skill development is also reported.

Health

Health includes goals in eating, and exercise for both youth and adults.  Sports are also a big items. We focus of individual items here. Family activities and recreation are a seperate item.  Major health issues that require family support can be apart of the item.

Employment

Family employment is the topic.  Challenges in parents employment, reassignments or job changes are subjects.  Employment of youth and college students as also topics

Home Storage

Home storage of at least 3 months of food and other essentials for emergencies are topics. If there is a garden, the seasonal project is managed here.

Finance

The budget management and reports are topics.  Wants and needs are evaluated. Discussion of care  and maintenance of current personal and family resources

Spiritual Strength

Discuss personal challenges on both a spiritual and emotional level.  Family support can be provided for school, church and service projects to help maintain a balance in life in all members of the family.  

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