Question About Blessings

[MorningStar]

What's the best way to handle it when a child asks for a blessing and the dad doesn't make a move to grant their request?

[skippy740]

For the child to experience the blessings of the gospel, I would ask home teachers, quorum presidents or Bishopric.

In this case, someone will feel bad. I vote for that person to be the father that cannot or will not perform the blessing... instead of the child who asked.

[MorningStar]

An awkward situation for sure, but I agree.

[pam]

In asking someone else, perhaps it will open the eyes of the father to the responsibilities they have as not only the parent but as a Priesthood holder.

[annewandering]

Has he ever given one before? If not then maybe you could encourage him to do it. Better at the time but even now it can be done.
Does he feel unworthy?

[MorningStar]

One can only guess. Yes the dad knows how. Puts mom in an difficult position when child tells her they need a blessing, dad says OK, dad flakes, mom reminds him the next day, and dad decides to go back to bed instead of calling someone before church. Mom doesn't want to push him into it in case he doesn't feel worthy but also wishes he would pick up the phone and make sure their son receives a blessing whether he participates or not.

[anatess]

Originally Posted by MorningStar

One can only guess. Yes the dad knows how. Puts mom in an difficult position when child tells her they need a blessing, dad says OK, dad flakes, mom reminds him the next day, and dad decides to go back to bed instead of calling someone before church. Mom doesn't want to push him into it in case he doesn't feel worthy but also wishes he would pick up the phone and make sure their son receives a blessing whether he participates or not.

In this case, I would kindly tell the dad that I'm going to go call Brother X to do it at nPM unless he feels he'll be ready by then.

You say dad put mom in a difficult position - I say dad got put in the difficult position of facing his own inadequacies first. Mom needs to find a way to get the child a blessing at the same time provide a way to support her husband in whatever challenge he is facing. Isn't that amazing just how much we, Moms, get to do to keep our family chugging along?

For my birthday I told my husband, I want to do nothing. He says, "what do you mean?". I say it again. I want to do absolutely nothing. That's the birthday present I want to have this year. I've been dreaming of doing nothing since before Christmas.

[cryophil]

I think manipulating the dad by going around him is really bad form.

[pntkl]

These, Our Little Ones - Liahona Dec. 2007 - liahona
The Why of Priesthood Service - general-conference
Hebrews 5:1-14*
When the house Patriarch does not fulfill their duties, especially under the Priesthood--the needs of the household, even the Priesthood, cannot be ignored. No worthy Priesthood holder is in need of manipulation, to serve in their calling. Neither is it righteous, to coerce someone into doing something they are not willing or worthy to do expediently.

LDS.org - Support Materials Chapter - Church Organization
Doctrine and Covenants 20:1-84*
More so, it is nothing, under any poster's authority, to supersede the order of His Church, which this matter must be dealt within, if the Patriarch is slothful in their duty or not forthcoming of their worthiness. It is an offense to the child, to delay the blessing he is not simply wanton of, but is prompted to, by the Spirit. The correct order begins with the Bishop, who in righteousness is given special discernment, over such matters. He is the authority, over these matters, as long as he is within his covenant. If he is not in accordance with the teachings of the gospel, we are so charged, to find the next authority, in order of the structure given through the Son of God [in only the most egregious circumstances does this ever occur].

Love,
T.J. Wood

[applepansy]

If possible try to find out why the father is hesitant to give the blessing. If he still doesn't want to give the blessing, find someone else. I know any contention doesn't help bring the spirit close. However, it only takes the faith of one for a blessing to work.

Later try to find out why the father is hesitant. Has he been taught how to use his priesthood? My father in law never gave any of his children a blessing until they were adults. I think only two of the five have received a blessing of any sort from their father after they reached adulthood. Blessings were never a family affair. If a man never sees the priesthood used or is a convert, then giving a blessing can be intimidating.