These, Our Little Ones
President Hinckley, Ensign January 2007


This article caused me to evaluate very closely how I treat my children. There is plenty of room for improvement. I see both the opportunity to eradicate certain practices and implement others. Out with the bad in with the good. Why and what are the questions. First, a few thoughts from the article to answer the 'why': "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old he shall not depart from it". (Proverbs 22:6) I want my children to be healthy happy and strong. I believe we can do more to train them in healthy and correct habits now that will allow them to be great if they so choose.


It is a commandment to teach them the principles of the gospel (D&C). These children are only entrusted to us, they are not truly ours but God's, as we are all God's children.

So what needs to change in our family. The changes are based on the four basic principles supplied by President Hinckley:
1. Love your children
2. Teach your children
3. Respect your children
4. Pray with and for them

No more threats of spanking. And certainly no more inflicting of that. It contradicts the family rule of "no hitting".
“Bring up your children in the love and fear of the Lord; study their dispositions and their temperaments, and deal with them accordingly, never allowing yourself to correct them in the heat of passion; teach them to love you rather than to fear you.

Practice prayer more consistently. Morning and evening prayers for everyone. On a personal, family, and couple level. i believe if I could accomplish this one thing it would significantly change/improve our lives.

We must read and study the book of Mormon as a family every day. We have neglected this and foregone the blessings promised:
President Hinckley - Without reservation I promise you that if each of you will observe this simple program, regardless of how many times you previously may have read the Book of Mormon, there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God.

Elder Romney - I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness.

Amanda and I need to study together. when we have studied together we have gotten more out of it. I would like our children to see us in that habit so they will expect it of their marriages. They have seen us go to the temple and the should continue to see us in that practice. Going on dates would have a similar effect. Doing these things would strengthen me and Amanda, and our children will be blessed by seeing us have that kind of love for each other.