Mothers Teaching Children in the Home

My thoughts on Elder Perry's talk "Mothers Teaching Children in the Home"

I feel like a hypocrite commenting on this talk when my child has chosen a different path and didn't listen and heed a word I said.

My mom was just like his. Papers and books all over the kitchen table. I remember setting the table by putting the table cloth OVER her books and papers so they wouldn't get dirty.

"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."

I see this every day at my house. The adversary has one of my kids and he is eroding and destroying our family. It is so sad.

"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)."

Oh, how I wish there were understudies who would have (and probably should have) stepped in. I know those who have tried, but there is a few who I know knew and didn't. I'm so heartbroken now that so much damage has happened. (But maybe I just move on and put this one behind.)

"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."

I try so hard to do this. One moment at a time. I know my children can have no question about my faith and I can only hope my influence is for the best and was right.

"It is my belief that one of the most effective things we can do to improve teaching in the Church is to improve teaching in our homes. 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. Throughout the Church there are dining room tables covered with reference materials and notebooks filled with ideas for lessons to be taught. There is no such thing as overpreparing to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, for gospel insights, whether or not they are used during class time, can always be taught in the home."

I sometimes wish I had a calling to teach in church (I play the piano in primary) because I do miss that "forced" reading/studying. Although I have spent most of my adult calling behind the piano in primary. I sometimes envy seminary teachers. I know I learn so much more when I'm the teacher. I do love my time preparing for Family Home Evening and I relish the time I read and study the conference talks.

I am so thankful for this blog and email group that have forced me to read conference talks and then expound and discuss them with like minded individuals. I'm just sad I'm so far behind. I've read them all, but because I have been so sick I haven't had the time to write about them. I learn so much more from them when I write or teach about them.