If I may be pardoned for suggesting the obvious, I do so…
““If I may be pardoned for suggesting the obvious, I do so only because the obvious is not observed in so many instances. The obvious includes four imperatives with reference to children: (1) love them, (2) teach them, (3) respect them, and (4) pray with them and for them... How much more beautiful would be the world and the society in which we live if every father looked upon his children as the most precious of his assets, if he led them by the power of his example in kindness and love, and if in times of stress he blessed them by the authority of the holy priesthood; and if every mother regarded her children as the jewels of her life, as gifts from the God of heaven, who is their Eternal Father, and brought them up with true affection in the wisdom and admonition of the Lord...””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Children need love, education, respect, and spiritual guidance; parents should cherish and model these values.
In simple terms: Parents should love, teach, respect, and pray for their children.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize holistic care for children through love and example.
Themes
family
parenting
values
spirituality
Mood
hopeful
serene
Type
advice
spiritual
When to use this quote
- raising children
- family counseling
- faith communities
- parental guidance
Key Concepts
love
education
respect
prayer
Questions to Reflect On
- How can parents balance work and these child‑centered duties?
- What community resources support these four imperatives?
A Different Perspective
Societal pressures may limit parents' ability to fully embody these imperatives.