The recent home teaching message given by President Hinckley has made me start thinking of the things that I can do to help make the gospel more central in my home, for their sakes. I am already trying to do the things that President Hinckley talks about but I still can find ways to improve. It is so important to remember that children are a blessing and a responsibility.
President Hinckley urged us to love, teach and respect our children. He also suggested that we pray with and for them. I think that prayer is a very important habit to instill in our children. As we pray on a daily basis with our children, this will soon become a habit for them. As they grow older they will know where to turn when they need help. My parents blessed me when they taught me to pray every morning and every night.
It is important to realize that our daily lives are an example to our children. They will learn how to act and react in situations the way that we do. If we want our children to grow up with strong testimonies in the gospel, we need to develop and live our testimonies. If we want our children to attend church, we need to attend church. If we want our children to study the scriptures, they need to see us studying the scriptures.
It is important to take time each day to express love to each one of our children. This can be done in a few minutes with a quick hug, or as you tuck them into bed at night. You can give them encouragement throughout the day, and spend time doing things for them, but do not forget to take the time to tell them each day how much you love them. There are times when each of us needs to hear the words.
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