favorite articles on teaching children

Our Parental Duty to God and to the Rising Generation

SUMMARY
Elder Robert D. Hales, "Our Parental Duty to God and to the Rising Generation,"Ensign, Aug 2010, 30–34
The Lord has given us the charge to "bring up [our] children in light and truth." May we respond to this charge with faith and determination to fulfill our duty to the 

rising generation.
One of a parent's most important responsibilities is to teach. As declared in "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," "parents have a sacred duty … to teach [their children—sons and daughters] to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live."1

Set in Order Your Own House
The purpose of the Lord's work is "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39). Parents can help accomplish this great work by teaching their children "the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands" (D&C 68:25).
In a revelation given through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord rebuked Frederick G. Williams (1787–1842), a member of the First Presidency, for not teaching his children as he should:
"You have not taught your children light and truth, according to the commandments; and that wicked one hath power, as yet, over you, and this is the cause of your affliction.
"And now a commandment I give unto you—if you will be delivered you shall set in order your own house, for there are many things that are not right in your house" (D&C 93:42–43).
Do we have the courage to teach light and truth in our homes? Or are we experiencing affliction within our families because we are neglecting these duties? As we ponder and pray, we will be given spiritual strength and guidance to help us set our homes in order.
A House of Learning
The scriptures direct us to "establish … a house of learning" (D&C 88:119). Let me suggest several ways we as parents can fulfill this duty to God and to our children...
Focus the minds and hearts of children on the Savior. Faith and testimony must be centered in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. We should express to our children our own feelings about the Savior and share scriptures or experiences that have strengthened our testimony of Him. We should help them understand the significance of the Atonement and how it can be a daily blessing in their lives.
Lead and teach by example
Establish righteous patterns in the home
Encourage meaningful personal prayer and scripture study.
Use tools the Church provides to parents.

THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2010

articles on teaching the rising generation

http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1207-35,00.html

Tell Me the Stories of Jesus

Elder Neil L. Andersen
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

A stronger personal faith in Jesus Christ will prepare [your children] for the challenges they will most surely face.

President Thomas S. Monson has described the rising generation as "the very best ever"¹ and has said to our youth: "You have come to this earth at a glorious time. The opportunities before you are nearly limitless."² But he also warned, "We have been placed on earth in troubled times."³"It is a time of permissiveness, with society in general routinely disregarding and breaking the laws of God."⁴ We are surrounded by so much that is designed to divert our attention. "The adversary is using every means possible to ensnare us in his web of deceit."⁵

We hold in our arms the rising generation. They come to this earth with important responsibilities and great spiritual capacities. We cannot be casual in how we prepare them. Our challenge as parents and teachers is not to create a spiritual core in their souls but rather to fan the flame of their spiritual core already aglow with the fire of their premortal faith.

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http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1207-11,00.html

"Mothers Teaching Children in the Home"

Elder L. Tom Perry
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

I believe it is by divine design that the role of motherhood emphasizes the nurturing and teaching of the next generation.

Please allow me to reminisce for a few moments and share a few of the lessons I learned from my mother about teaching the gospel in the home. My mother understood the value of teaching her children about standards, values, and doctrine while they were young. While she was grateful to others who taught her children outside the home at either school or church, she recognized that parents are entrusted with the education of their children and, ultimately, parents must ensure that their children are being taught what their Heavenly Father would have them learn. My siblings and I were quizzed very carefully by our mother after we had been taught away from the home to be certain the correct lessons were reaching our ears and shaping our minds.

I used to think some days as I ran home from school that I was through learning for the day, but this illusion was quickly destroyed when I saw my mother standing at the door waiting for me. When we were young, we each had a desk in the kitchen where we could continue to be taught by her as she performed household duties and prepared supper. She was a natural teacher and far more demanding of us than our teachers at school and church.

The scope of Mother's teaching included both secular and spiritual lessons. She made sure none of us were falling behind in our schoolwork, which she would often supplement. She also would practice her Relief Society lessons with us. We, of course, received the unabridged versions found in her notebooks, not the abridged versions that had to fit in a single class period.

Part of our learning at home also involved memorizing scriptures, including the Articles of Faith, and the words of prophets, seers, and revelators. My mother was someone who believed a mind would become weak if it was not constantly exercised. She taught us as we would wash the dishes, churn the butter, and help in many other ways. She did not believe in letting idle thoughts enter her children's minds, even when they were engaged in physical labor.

I am not using my mother as a role model for parents in today's world. Times are very different today, but while times may change, a parent's teaching must never be devalued. Many activities link the values of one generation to the next, but perhaps the most central of these activities is parents teaching children in the home. This is especially true when we consider the teaching of values, moral and ethical standards, and faith.

Teaching in the home is becoming increasingly important in today's world, where the influence of the adversary is so widespread and he is attacking, attempting to erode and destroy the very foundation of our society, even the family. Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and important responsibility. While other institutions, such as church and school, can assist parents to "train up a child in the way he [or she] should go" (Proverbs 22:6), ultimately this responsibility rests with parents. According to the great plan of happiness, it is parents who are entrusted with the care and development of our Heavenly Father's children. Our families are an integral part of His work and glory—"to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39). On God's eternal stage, it is usually intended that parents act as the central cast members in their children's lives. Fortunately, there are understudies involved in the production who may step in when parents can't. It, however, is parents who have been commanded by the Lord to bring up their children in light and truth (see D&C 93:40).

Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time. They know that the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world. The health of any society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity, and their peace all find common roots in the teaching of children in the home.

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith taught: "It is the duty of parents to teach their children these saving principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, so that they will know why they are to be baptized and that they may be impressed in their hearts with a desire to continue to keep the commandments of God after they are baptized, that they may come back into his presence. Do you, my good brethren and sisters, want your families, your children; do you want to be sealed to your fathers and your mothers before you . . . ? If so, then you must begin by teaching at the cradle-side. You are to teach by example as well as precept" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1948, 153)....

...I believe it is by divine design that the role of motherhood emphasizes the nurturing and teaching of the next generation. We see so many challenges today from distracting and destructive influences intended to mislead God's children. We are seeing many young people who lack the deep spiritual roots necessary to remain standing in faith as storms of unbelief and despair swirl around them. Too many of our Father in Heaven's children are being overcome by worldly desires. The onslaught of wickedness against our children is at once more subtle and more brazen than it has ever been. Teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in the home adds another layer of insulation to protect our children from worldly influences.

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http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1207-15,00.html 

"Watching with All Perseverance"

Elder David A. Bednar
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

A spiritual early warning system . . . can help parents in Zion to be watchful and discerning concerning their children.

I pray for the guidance of the Holy Ghost as I describe a spiritual early warning system that can help parents in Zion to be watchful and discerning concerning their children. This early warning system applies to children of all ages and contains three basic components: (1) reading and talking about the Book of Mormon with your children, (2) bearing testimony of gospel truths spontaneously with your children, and (3) inviting children as gospel learners to act and not merely be acted upon. Parents who do these things faithfully will be blessed to recognize early signals of spiritual growth in or challenges with their children and be better prepared to receive inspiration to strengthen and help those children.

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http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1207-26,00.html

That Our Children Might See the Face of the Savior

Cheryl C. Lant
Recently Released Primary General President

It is our sacred responsibility as parents and leaders of this rising generation of children to bring them to the Savior.

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http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1207-6,00.html

"Mothers and Daughters"

Elder M. Russell Ballard
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

In these last days it is essential—even critical—that parents and children listen to and learn from one another.

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http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1207-3,00.html

"And upon the Handmaids in 

Those 

Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit"

Julie B. Beck
Relief Society General President

We know we are successful if we live so that we qualify for, receive, and know how to follow the Spirit.

A good woman knows that she does not have enough time, energy, or opportunity to take care of all of the people or do all of the worthy things her heart yearns to do. Life is not calm for most women, and each day seems to require the accomplishment of a million things, most of which are important. A good woman must constantly resist alluring and deceptive messages from many sources telling her that she is entitled to more time away from her responsibilities and that she deserves a life of greater ease and independence. But with personal revelation, she can prioritize correctly and navigate this life confidently.

The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life. Qualifying for the Lord's Spirit begins with a desire for that Spirit and implies a certain degree of worthiness. Keeping the commandments, repenting, and renewing covenants made at baptism lead to the blessing of always having the Lord's Spirit with us.²Making and keeping temple covenants also adds spiritual strength and power to a woman's life. Many answers to difficult questions are found by reading the scriptures because the scriptures are an aid to revelation.³ Insight found in scripture accumulates over time, so it is important to spend some time in the scriptures every day. Daily prayer is also essential to having the Lord's Spirit with us.⁴
Those who earnestly seek help through prayer and scripture study often have a paper and pencil nearby to write questions and record impressions and ideas. ...When women nurture as Christ nurtured, a power and peace can descend to guide when help is needed. For instance, mothers can feel help from the Spirit even when tired, noisy children are clamoring for attention, but they can be distanced from the Spirit if they lose their temper with children. Being in the right places allows us to receive guidance. It requires a conscious effort to diminish distractions, but having the Spirit of revelation makes itpossible to prevail over opposition and persist in faith through difficult days and essential routine tasks. Personal revelation gives us the understanding of what to do every day to increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek those who need our help. Because personal revelation is a constantly renewable source of strength, it is possible to feel bathed in help even during turbulent times.

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http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1207-7,00.html 

"Help Them on Their Way Home"

President Henry B. Eyring
First Counselor in the First Presidency

We help God's children best by providing ways to build faith in Jesus Christ and His restored gospel when they are young.

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http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1207-30,00.html 

Robert D. Hales, "Our Duty to God: The Mission of Parents and Leaders tothe Rising Generation,"
Liahona, May 2010, 95–98

It is our imperative duty to help youth understand and believe the gospel in a deeply personal way.

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Brent H. Nielson, "A Call to the Rising Generation,"
Ensign, Nov 2009, 95–97

There is no greater call than teaching "all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

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http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1207-31,00.html

Mother Told Me

Elder Bradley D. Foster
Of the Seventy

Perhaps the reason we respond so universally to our mothers' love is because it typifies the love of our Savior.

The Lord has placed upon parents the primary responsibility for the spiritual nurturing of their children.

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http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1207-34,00.html

Things Pertaining to Righteousness

Elder Francisco J. Viñas
Of the Seventy

As parents and leaders we need to watch over our members and families, helping them to stay away from those things that could lead them to a spiritual death.

We are told in the Doctrine and Covenants that after the testimony of the servants of God, the testimony of earthquakes and the testimony of other events will follow. "And all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men's hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people" (D&C 88:91; see also verses 88–90).

 

 

 

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http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1207-37,00.html

Be of a Good Courage

Ann M. Dibb
Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency

[The] guides from the book of Joshua will combine to provide the most powerful source of courage and strength there is: faith in our Heavenly Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Many times, as General Authorities address the priesthood brethren at general conference, they will begin by saying that they feel as though they are addressing a "mighty army" of powerful priesthood leaders. Tonight, I feel as though I am standing before a "mighty army" of elect daughters of God. You have been chosen to move forward, standing alongside those valiant priesthood holders, in righteousness in these latter days. You are a commanding and beautiful sight.

 

 

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http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1207-41,00.html

Be Strong: I Know Who I Am

President Thomas S. Monson: "Again, my dear young sisters, although there have always been challenges in the world, many of those which you face are unique to this time."¹

Elaine S. Dalton, Young Women general president: "In order to be virtuous and remain virtuous, you must be true to your divine identity and establish patterns of thought and behavior based on high moral standards."²

President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency: "I pray with all my heart that your faith will be increased that you are a daughter of a loving God."³

Mary N. Cook, first counselor in the Young Women general presidency: "You, my dear young women, have already made many good choices. Now you must establish patterns of virtue that will keep you on this path throughout your life."⁴

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency: "Sisters, trust and rely on the Spirit. As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you."⁵

Ann M. Dibb, second counselor in the Young Women general presidency: "The small and simple things you choose to do today will be magnified into great and glorious blessings tomorrow."⁶

Elaine S. Dalton, Young Women general president: "Can one righteous young woman change the world? The answer is a resounding 'yes!' . . . It is the daily consistent things you do that will strengthen you to be a leader and an example—daily prayer, daily scripture study, daily obedience, daily service to others. As you do these things, you will grow closer to the Savior and become more and more like Him."⁷

President Thomas S. Monson: "My young friends, be strong. . . . You know what is right and what is wrong, and no disguise, however appealing, can change that [truth]. If your so-called friends urge you to do anything you know to be wrong,you be the one to make a stand for right, even if you stand alone."⁸