Parents, grandparents, neighbors, Primary leaders and friends must reach out to the children in their lives, said Sister Rosemary M. Wixom, Primary general president, during the Saturday morning session of general conference. "We can stop, kneel down, look into their eyes and feel of their innate desire to follow the Savior. Take hold of their hands. Walk with them. It is our chance to anchor them on the path of faith."
Helping children understand the plan of salvation is an important part of teaching them, Sister Wixom said.
"Understanding the plan will help them hold to the truths," she said. "If they understand the plan and who they are, they will not fear."
Individuals are able to teach children as they themselves know the plan, Sister Wixom taught.
"We begin to make the plan known to our children when we hold tight to the iron rod ourselves," Sister Wixom said. "When we are holding tight to the iron rod, we are in a position to place our hands over theirs and walk the strait and narrow path together. Our example is magnified in their eyes and they will follow our cadence when they feel secure in our actions. We do not need to be perfect — just honest and sincere. Children want to feel as one with us. When a parent says, 'We can do it! We can read the scriptures daily as a family,' the children will follow."
Sister Wixom shared an example of a young family determined to read the scriptures together. Although it took three and a half years to finish the Book of Mormon, their constant study of a few verses a night instilled in their children a habit of reading the scriptures and brought the Spirit into their home.
"The world will teach our children if we do not, and children are capable of learning all the world will teach them at a very young age," she said. "What we want them to know five years from now needs to be part of our conversation with them today. Teach them in every circumstance; let every dilemma, every consequence, every trial that they may face provide an opportunity to teach them how to hold on to gospel truths. ...
"Our children can find the courage to do whatever is necessary. When we are intentional about holding them and teaching them of Heavenly Father's plan through prayer and scriptures, they will know where they came from, why they are here and where they are going."
