How can I be a better teacher in the home?
The home is the most important and most effective place to teach, learn, and apply gospel principles. Parents have the primary responsibility for teaching their children the gospel (see D&C 68:25–28). In this sacred responsibility, parents should counsel with one another and seek to be unified in a teaching partnership.
Fathers and mothers each have an important role in teaching their children. Fathers can seek to give spiritual leadership in the home by directing family prayers, daily scripture study, and family home evenings. Mothers can teach by spending effective time with their children. They can take time to be a real friend to their children and to read and pray with their children.
Parents should seek to establish regular times for teaching the gospel in the home. Such teaching opportunities include:
- Family prayer
- Family scripture study
- Family home evening
- Mealtimes
- Family councils
- One-on-one visits
Unplanned teaching moments in family life are also important times for parents to teach. Such moments can occur in conversations, as parents and children work together, and as family members face challenges together.
Remember that example can be parents’ most powerful teaching tool. Children learn attitudes and conduct by observing the actions of their parents.
Scriptures to study
2 Nephi 32:3; 3 Nephi 18:21; Doctrine and Covenants 27:15–17
