Teaching our Children

Elder Nelson's talk during the morning session of the last general conference (April 08) was a very clear answer to my prayers. I have read a lot of parenting books and heard a lot of advice about how to discipline or not to discipline my kids. I've been confused and unsure about what to do, and I was unsure about what I was doing at the time. My son was definitely going through the inevitable toddler-temper tantrum stage, which he has still to grow out of, and I was at a loss. I prayed specifically for the best way to teach my son obedience. In his talk, Elder Nelson asked the question: "How can we best teach our children? The Lord has given us specific instruction: 'No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile--reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards and increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy.' When a child needs correction, you might ask yourself, 'What can I say or do that would persuade him or her to choose a better way?' When giving necessary correction, do it quietly, privately, lovingly, and not publicly. If a rebuke is required, show an increase of love promptly so that seeds of resentment my not remain. To be persuasive, your love must be sincere and your teachings based on divine doctrne and correct principles. Do not try to control your children. Instead, listen to them, help them to learn the gospel, inspire them, and lead hem toward eternal life."