The Book of Mormon contains practical help and examples for parents as they raise children, grandchildren and other young people in the ways of the Lord, Elder Cecil O. Samuelson, member of the Quorums of the Seventy and Brigham Young University president, said Friday. He and his wife, Sharon, urged parents to use scriptures to strengthen families.
"We find remarkable and pure evidence (in the Book of Mormon) of the centrality of the family in Heavenly Father's plan," Elder Samuelson said. "Prophets have (said)… that families have a very significant role in bringing each other, and especially children, to Christ."
The scriptures teach how to nurture children, the Samuelsons taught, and give answers to questions parents may have.
"The Lord in the scriptures will reveal important answers to vital questions we may not even have been smart enough or wise enough to recognize or ask," Sister Samuelson said. "Important insights also come by regularly immersing ourselves in the scriptures."
Many parents are seeking answers to what to do with wayward children. Others seek answers on how to share their testimony with their children and grandchildren. Most important, the Samuelson's said, is to cater to each child's individual needs.
"Our children are not all alike. In fact, every person is absolutely unique," Elder Sameulson said. "What influences one may not faze or touch another. What inspires one might discourage another….
"That means that our praying, our counseling, our correcting, our teaching, and even our encouraging and complimenting must be customized not only to the person but to the time, the circumstances and the rapidly changing and varying needs of each person."
Customized parenting plans are created through looking to the scriptures and the strong example of prayer.
"Some of you have likewise uttered vocal and silent prayers for your errant children. Hopefully we pray for all our children and families regularly, daily and even continuously," Sister Samuelson said. "We don't have to wait for them to have problems, difficulties, sins, shortcomings, illnesses or any other worry. Not only do we need to pray for them, they need to know and understand that we pray for them."
The Samuelsons reminded parents that they should never underestimate the influence they have on their children. As parents look to the scriptures, look at their children's individual needs and pray, they are able to receive the direction needed to lead their family.
"Part of the plan of happiness is the success of families who are sealed together and can return to the presence of the Father and the Son to experience eternal life," Sister Samuelson said. "It is not a small wonder then, that the Book of Mormon would not only teach and testify of the Savior and his mission, but also give much-needed counsel and direction in the vital matters of family life and essential duties and roles of parents."
