Mothers Teaching Children in the Home by Elder L. Tom Perry

Quotes and remarks are based on the talk entitled "Mothers Teaching children in the Home" by Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles in the April 2010 General Conference- the complete talk can be found here.

I completely agree with what Elder Perry teaches about how mothers have a great responsibility to teach their children true principles while they are young. I'd like to just share some quotes that I liked from the talk below:

In speaking of his mother and her preparation of Relief Society lessons:

"...she prepared so thoroughly, first, to be an example to her children of diligent Church service and, second, because she recognized that what she learned from preparing her lessons could be used repeatedly for a higher purpose—teaching her sons and her daughters."

"...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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"...you must begin by teaching at the cradle-side. You are to teach by example as well as precept" [quoting Joseph Fielding Smith]

"Our teaching in the home prepares us to teach more effectively at church, and our teaching at church helps us to teach more effectively at home."

"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."

He concludes with this:

"God bless you wonderful mothers and fathers in Zion. He has entrusted to your care His eternal children. As parents we partner, even join, with God in bringing to pass His work and glory among His children. It is our sacred duty to do our very best."

Just remember, if you're not teaching your children how to walk in light and truth, then they are learning how to walk from friends, classmates, and the media...kind of a scary thought!