Raising Children During LDS Missions: Unique Experiences and Challenges Compared to Regular Family Life

The decision to serve as an LDS missionary can bring about numerous life changes, and for those who have children, the experience can be particularly unique. While it is unusual for parents with children to serve as missionaries, it does happen occasionally, especially when the mission president and his wife are called. Parenting amidst the demands of serving as a mission president is a multi-layered experience, blending the responsibilities of family with the rigorous schedule of missionary work.

Uniqueness of Missionary Parenting

When parents with children are asked to serve as mission presidents, their lives are radically altered. Unlike the typical single missionaries or retired couples, missionary parents must juggle the demanding schedule of a mission with the needs of their family. This can lead to unprecedented and challenging experiences for both the parents and their children. The absence of the parents for months or even years can have a profound impact on family dynamics and the development of the children.

Regular Family Life vs. Missionary Life

Damian and Sarah, a married couple with two young children, were invited to serve as mission presidents. This required Damian to oversee the mission, working tirelessly and often away from home, while Sarah managed the household and childcare. Sarah expressed, 'Being a primary caregiver for our children while Damian was away was incredibly demanding. We had to find incredibly flexible childcare solutions, which can be hard to come by, especially when relocating to a new mission field.'

The regular family life they knew was fundamentally altered. Damian described, 'I missed countless milestones with the kids, such as their first day of school, Christmas, and even their birthdays. It was hard to stay connected, but we worked hard to keep our communication consistent. We had weekly video calls and used all the modern tools available to keep in touch.'

Support Systems and Adaptability

Despite the challenges, Damian and Sarah found ways to adapt and provide support for their children. Fellow missionaries, mission companions, and community members often stepped in to help. 'The local congregation and mission were incredibly supportive. Simple gestures like checking in on the children, offering to babysit, and bringing meals were greatly appreciated,' Sarah added.

However, the absence of a parent can also present unique challenges. Schoolteachers and pediatricians reported high levels of parental anxiety and stress in these circumstances. Sarah noted, 'It was tough to see my children struggle with the absence of their father. School staff were very understanding, and many children felt the same way. We worked closely with our mission leaders to ensure we could address their emotional needs.'

Difficult Choices and Reflections

Deciding to serve as a missionary president with children involved difficult choices. Sarah reflected, 'We took long nights and early mornings to prepare for the mission field. Those moments of quiet reflection and planning gave us an honest assessment of what sacrifices we were willing to make for our family and faith.'

The experiences gained from these challenging circumstances offered valuable lessons for both Damian and Sarah. Damian shared, 'Being a mission president taught me how important it is to communicate openly and find solutions for tough problems. I also learned the value of community and the strength that comes from coming together for a common purpose.'

Conclusion

Service as a mission president with children is an experience that every family must consider carefully. While it can be demanding, the support from the community, adaptability, and unique insights gained make it a meaningful part of their faith journey. The experiences of raising children while serving as a mission president stand out as a testament to the willingness of families to serve and support their faith communities.