Parenting Advice From LDS Church Leaders

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LDS Leaders
Image via MormonNewsroom.org

It is inevitable that, at some point, parents will question the quality of their parenting.

Yesterday, the Deseret News posted an article, written by Sarah Petersen and Morgan Jones, with parenting advice from leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These bits of counsel and encouragement are not only from leaders we can trust, but many are also inspired from our loving Heavenly Father. Below is a list of just a few of our favorite tidbits of parenting advice from our beloved Church leaders:

President Howard W. Hunter 

“Earn the respect and confidence of your children through your loving relationship with them. A righteous father protects his children with his time and presence in their social, educational, and spiritual activities and responsibilities.”  Being a Righteous Husband and Father

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

“If you and your husband will strive to love God and live the gospel yourselves; if you will plead for that guidance and comfort of the Holy Spirit promised to the faithful; if you will go to the temple to both make and claim the promises of the most sacred covenants a woman or man can make in this world; if you will show others, including your children, the same caring, compassionate, forgiving heart you want heaven to show you; if you try your best to be the best parent you can be, you will have done all that a human being can do and all that God expects you to do.” Because She is a Mother

Elder M. Russell Ballard

“… To parents everywhere, my counsel is simple: Get a copy of ‘The Family: A Proclamation to the World.’ Read it and strive to align your marriage and your family to its inspired, revealed direction from the Lord. Then, be the very best and act the very best you can. God will give you strength beyond your own as you strive daily to fulfill the most sacred mortal responsibility he gives to his children. Listen to the voice of the Spirit and the counsel of the living prophets. Be of good cheer. God did not place you on earth to fail, and your efforts as parents will not be counted as failure unless you give up.” The Sacred Responsibilities of Parenthood

President Marion G. Romney

“I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity — the pure love of Christ — will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy and happiness.”  The Book of Mormon, May 1980

President David O. McKay

“Children are more influenced by sermons you act than by sermons you preach.” Conference Report, Apr. 1955, 26

Elder Robert D. Hales

“I would hope that we would bear our testimonies so that our children will know where our hearts are and that we love them. The greatest love and the greatest teachings should be in our homes.” Our Duty to God: The Mission of Parents and Leaders to the Rising Generation

Elder Quentin L. Cook

“Parents must have the courage to filter or monitor Internet access, television, movies and music… Parents must have the courage to say no, defend truth and bear powerful testimony… Your children need to know that you have faith in the Savior, love your Heavenly Father and sustain the leaders of the Church. Spiritual maturity must flourish in our homes.” Can You Feel So Now?

For more advice on parenting and creating a Christ-centered home, read Jones and Petersen’s article at DeseretNews.com.

Kylie is a writer at LDS.net and graduate of BYU with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. She grew up in a Chicago suburb where she gained a passion for the Chicago Cubs. She enjoys writing and live event video production.