Like his sons, Jacob was bothered by Joseph's dreams. But after initially rebuking him, Jacob "observed the saying." Mary, similarly, pondered the words of twelve-year-old Jesus after initially being frustrated. We can follow their examples by thinking carefully about the things our children say, especially when those things hurt or seem wrong.
“Take Especial Care of Your Family”
God told Brigham Young to “take especial care of your family.” That counsel still stands today. President Dallin H. Oaks recently reminded us that family work, recreation, and learning are sacred priorities. When we turn off distractions, we will find sufficient time to fulfill our family responsibilities.
Bringing Up Our Children in Light and Truth
God commanded us to bring up our children in light and truth. Children have a natural ability to receive light. We can help them continue to receive it by encouraging them to live with integrity, simplify their lives, and participate in activities which bring them closer to God.
Tradition!
Traditions—repeated activities which carry a deeper meaning—can help us instill values in the next generation. However, the Book of Mormon points out that incorrect traditions can inhibit growth, and modern prophets emphasize that traditions alone are insufficient. We should cultivate faith-building traditions which encourage people to open their hearts and receive God's grace.
What and How to Teach Your Children
Moses and King Benjamin emphasized the importance of parents teaching our children spiritual truths. In modern revelation, the Lord specifically emphasized repentance, faith, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and prayer. President Nelson also explained the importance of teaching by persuasion, not by compulsion. How we teach is as important as what we teach.
Blossoming, Flourishing, and Rejoicing
God loves us and wants us to flourish. He uses that word, and the words "blossom" and "rejoice," to describe Jacob, the Lamanites and Zion, echoing Isaiah's prophecy that the desert would "blossom as the rose." We help our loved ones flourish by accentuating the positive, teaching correct principles, and fostering independence.
Corianton and Korihor
Corianton's doubts, which his father Alma helped him overcome, are closely related to the teachings of Korihor, who had been popular not long before. Cultural messaging affects us all, but grounding ourselves in truth helps us make wiser decisions.
“Prepare the Minds”
Alma told Corianton that his ministry included helping parents prepare the minds of their children to hear the Savior's words. Alma's father had prepared his mind so that he knew where to turn in his moment of crisis. We can do the same for our children.
“The Words Which I Had Often Heard”
Nephi and Jacob taught the next generation by speaking frequently of Christ. Enos tells us that these words eventually sunk in, but the process took some time. We need to keep teaching, even when we don't see the results we hoped for right away.
“We Talk of Christ”
Nephi tells us that he consistently taught his children about Christ, because he wanted them to know where to turn to overcome their sins. Sometimes those words aren't well-received at first, but they may eventually become a lifeline in a time of need.