Lessons from Conference

Two weeks ago was general conference, and of course I was listening for ideas and inspiration about how I can be a better dad. In addition to feeling an overall need to improve my personal spiritual life, I picked out some parenting nuggets from a few talks:

"Come Follow Me" by Practicing Christian Love and Service - Elder Robert D. Hales

• "Parents, you are called to be loving teachers and missionaries to your children and youth"
• "When an opportunity comes to share your thoughts about the gospel and the lessons of life, stop everything, sit down, and talk with your children."
• "The calling to be a parent includes the gift to teach in the ways that are right for you and for your children."
• "Some of our most impactful Christian service is given by holding family scripture study, family prayer, and family council meetings."
• "Let us remember, the most important work we do in our families is through the power of the Holy Ghost. Whenever we raise our voices in anger, the Spirit leaves our companionships and families."
• "We can pray for guidance about when to speak, what to say, and yes, on some occasions, when to be still."

No Greater Joy Than to Know that They Know - K. Brett Nattress

• "I don’t know if anything in this world could bring more happiness and joy than to know that our children know the Savior, to know that they know “to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.” That is why, as members of the Church, “we preach of Christ” and we testify of Christ (2 Nephi 25:26).
• "That is why we pray with our children every day."
• "That is why we read the scriptures with them every day."
• "That is why we teach them to serve others, so that they can hold claim upon the blessings of finding themselves as they lose themselves in the service of others" (see Mark 8:35; Mosiah 2:17).
• "As we devote ourselves to these simple patterns of discipleship, we empower our children with the love of the Savior and with divine direction and protection as they face the fierce winds of the adversary."
• "It is my prayer that we will devote our hearts and our hands to helping all of Heavenly Father’s children to know Him and to feel His love."

The Righteous Judge - Elder Lynn G. Robbins

• "To effectively teach a child is the very essence of good parenting, and to lovingly discipline is the very essence of being a righteous judge."
• "If children are defiant and difficult to control, be patient with them until you can conquer by love, … and you can then [mold] their characters as you please"
• "This scripture teaches us to reprove “when moved upon by the Holy Ghost,” not when moved upon by anger. The Holy Ghost and anger are incompatible"
• "To remember a child’s true identity is a gift of foresight that divinely inspires the vision of a righteous judge."