Christlike Parenting

“Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign, May 2017, Gospel Library).

Many parents wonder how to be fair and consistent in their parenting. When setting limits, it is important to be consistent in following sound principles of parenting.

Read “Giving Children Love, Limits, and Latitude,” to learn principles that apply to children of any age (Larry Nelson, Liahona, Aug. 2020, Gospel Library).

Questions are a critical part of our eternal growth, and searching for answers in the Lord’s way can bring us closer to our Heavenly Father.

President M. Russell Ballard has said: “When someone comes to you with a question or a concern, please do not simply brush off the question. Do not tell him or her not to worry about the question. Please do not doubt the person’s dedication to the Lord or His work. Instead, help the person find answers to questions” ( “An Epistle from an Apostle,” Liahona, Sep. 2019, Gospel Library).

Read “When Doubts and Questions Arise,” (Adam Kotter, Liahona, Mar. 2015, Gospel Library) for ideas on how to seek answers to gospel questions.

You can also refer to “Helping Loved Ones Face Questions and Doubts about Faith.” (Denya Palmer, Liahona, Jan. 2021, Gospel Library). Additional principles can be found at “Answering Gospel Questions” (Gospel Topics, “Seeking Answers to Questions,” Gospel Library).

Everyone experiences strong emotions. If left unchecked, these emotions can do serious harm. The solution is found in the scriptures when Alma counsels his son Shiblon to “see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love” (Alma 38:12). To fill ourselves, our children, and our homes with love, we must learn to bridle—or master—strong emotions.

Learn more by reading “Ten Ideas for Mastering Strong Emotions at Home” (David Schramm, Ensign, Feb. 2020, Gospel Library).

Heavenly Father and our Savior understand our struggles with technology and will strengthen us.

Digital devices are engineered to be irresistible and hard to put down. In fact, many software and phone developers intentionally target our human vulnerabilities to keep us checking and scrolling through endless feeds of information. Young people, therefore, need adults who can model the appropriate use of these devices and can educate children about their effects.

Read “How to Manage Digital Devices and Get Your Family Back” for tips (Geoff Steurer, Liahona, Aug. 2020, Gospel Library).

Refer to the “Taking Charge of Technology” and “Media Safety” resources for additional support (Youth, Gospel Library).

Finding out a loved one has a disability or chronic health challenge can produce a variety of emotions. At times you may feel intense love accompanied with a sense of being chosen to fulfill this sacred role. Other feelings such as denial, anger, disappointment, frustration, and sadness toward God or others are also normal and part of the process of understanding a situation. You may find yourself exhausted emotionally as well as physically.

Although God has not revealed all things to us now, you can trust that He is a loving God and cares for you and your loved one. Draw close to Heavenly Father and allow His spirit to comfort and instruct you. The core principles of the gospel pertaining to disabilities and mortality can provide peace and comfort to members with disabilities and their families (“Disability Services: Resources,” Disabilities, Life Help, Gospel Library).

Read “Special Needs, Special Lessons,” by Elder Paul B. Pieper and Sister Melissa T. Pieper to see what they are learning from their experience of having a daughter with special needs (Liahona, Jun. 2020).

You can find additional help and support by studying these resources for parents and caregivers (“Disability Services: Parent and Caregivers,” Disabilities, Life Help, Gospel Library).