Parenting
Overview
In “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Church leaders declared, “Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live.”
Good parenting, while very challenging at times, offers great potential for happiness. Parents can experience great joy by building a strong, loving home environment and teaching gospel principles, which can help their children lead righteous, happy, and productive lives. (See 3Â John 1:4.)
The Lord has commanded parents to “bring up [their] children in light and truth” (Doctrine and Covenants 93:40). This includes teaching them to understand the doctrines of faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost (see Doctrine and Covenants 68:25) and to love their Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. This teaching should take place primarily in the home, with Church classes and programs supplementing and supporting parents’ efforts.
Parents can teach their children formally during family home evening and other family gatherings, such as daily family prayer and scripture study or at mealtimes. Teaching opportunities also come in unplanned moments as parents and children spend time working and playing together. Whatever the setting, the Lord will guide parents as they prayerfully seek to rear their children in love and righteousness.
Related Topics
Scriptures
Scripture References
Scripture Study Resources
Messages from Church Leaders
Videos
“Parenting: Touching the Hearts of Our Youth”
“Having Children in Faith”
“What Matters Most”
“A Parenting Team”
“Why should parents talk to their children about sexual intimacy?”
Tabernacle Choir Videos
Learning Resources
General Resources
James R. Young, “Preparing for Parenthood by Making Sense of My Past,” BYU Speeches
Church Magazines
Robin Zenger Baker, “When a Child Leaves the Church,” Ensign or Liahona, February 2016
Jan Pinborough, “Parenting, Unplugged,” Ensign or Liahona, June 2014
Jennifer Grace Jones, “No Corrupt Communication,” Ensign, August 2013
Valerie M. Hudson and Richard B. Miller, “Equal Partnership in Marriage,” Ensign, April 2013
Lyle J. Burrup, “Raising Resilient Children,” Ensign or Liahona, March 2013
Mark D. Ogletree, “Helping without Hovering,” Ensign, March 2012
Shawn Evans, “Helping Children Feel Safe,” Ensign or Liahona, February 2011
J. Thomas Cearley, “Stop Using Words That Hurt,” Ensign, March 2006
Garth A. Hanson, “Once Children Grow Up,” Ensign, February 1996
C. Terry and Susan L. Warner, “Helping Children Hear the Still, Small Voice,” Ensign, March 1994
Study Manuals
In the News
“Church Organization for Children Serves as Support for Parents,” Newsroom
“Study Shows Family Mealtime Helps Parents Too,” Newsroom
Teachings of Presidents of the Church
Stories
Media
Audio
“How to Know If You Are a Good Parent—Part 1,” Gospel Solutions for Families, episode 89
“How to Know If You Are a Good Parent—Part 2,” Gospel Solutions for Families, episode 90
“Parenting,” Music with a Message, episode 33