Blog Post 5: Parenting in Gospel Context—Practices Do Make a Difference


"Parenting with Purpose: Gospel-Centered Practices that Make a Difference"

Parenting is one of the most sacred and demanding responsibilities we can undertake. The influence we have on our children is profound, shaping not only their present lives but also their eternal destinies. In The Family: A Proclamation to the World, parents are admonished to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another. This blog post explores how gospel-centered parenting practices make a significant difference in the lives of children and how these principles can be integrated into everyday family life.

The Divine Role of Parents: Stewards of Eternal Souls

The Proclamation teaches that parents have a divine role in God's plan of happiness. They are stewards of the souls entrusted to their care, with the responsibility to guide, teach, and nurture their children in ways that will prepare them for a lifetime of discipleship and service. This stewardship is not just a temporal task but an eternal one, as the influence of parents extends beyond this life.

Understanding this divine role helps parents to prioritize what truly matters. It shifts the focus from merely managing the day-to-day tasks of parenting to being intentional in fostering a gospel-centered home environment. The choices parents make, the values they instill, and the examples they set all contribute to the spiritual foundation upon which their children will build their lives.

Gospel-Centered Parenting: Key Practices

  1. Teaching by Example: Children learn more from what their parents do than from what they say. A powerful way to teach gospel principles is through example. When parents consistently live the gospel—by praying, studying the scriptures, serving others, and keeping the commandments—they demonstrate the importance of these practices to their children. This daily example provides a living testimony that can inspire children to follow the same path.

  2. Creating a Spirit of Love and Respect: A home filled with love and respect is fertile ground for spiritual growth. The Proclamation emphasizes the importance of nurturing an environment where children feel valued, loved, and respected. This means parents should strive to communicate with kindness, discipline with patience, and resolve conflicts in a way that maintains the dignity of each family member. When children feel secure in their parents' love, they are more likely to internalize the gospel teachings and develop a positive self-concept.

  3. Family Prayer and Scripture Study: Regular family prayer and scripture study are essential practices for building a strong spiritual foundation in the home. These activities provide opportunities for parents and children to learn together, discuss gospel principles, and strengthen their faith. When families pray together, they invite the Spirit into their home, creating a sense of peace and unity. Likewise, studying the scriptures as a family allows for meaningful discussions that can deepen understanding and application of gospel truths.

  4. Fostering Individual Spiritual Growth: While family-based practices are important, it is also essential for parents to encourage their children's personal spiritual development. This can be done by helping children establish their own habits of prayer, scripture study, and personal worship. Parents can guide their children in setting spiritual goals, participating in church activities, and serving others. By supporting their children’s individual spiritual journeys, parents empower them to develop their own testimonies and become independent in their faith.

  5. Disciplining with Love: Discipline is an essential part of parenting, but it should always be done with love and understanding. The Proclamation reminds us that children should be reared in "love and righteousness." Effective discipline involves setting clear expectations, being consistent in enforcement, and using consequences that teach rather than punish. It’s important for parents to explain the reasons behind rules and to reinforce the connection between choices and consequences. This approach helps children learn self-discipline and accountability within a gospel framework.

Practical Application: Integrating Gospel-Centered Parenting into Daily Life

  1. Morning and Evening Rituals: Establishing consistent morning and evening routines that include family prayer, scripture study, and family council time can set a spiritual tone for the day. These rituals provide regular touchpoints for spiritual learning and family connection, helping to integrate gospel principles into daily life.

  2. Teaching Moments: Look for opportunities throughout the day to turn everyday experiences into teaching moments. Whether it’s discussing a gospel principle that relates to something happening at school or using a family outing to talk about God’s creations, these moments can help children see the relevance of the gospel in all aspects of life.

  3. Service as a Family: Engaging in service projects as a family is a powerful way to teach children about charity, empathy, and the importance of helping others. Whether it’s volunteering in the community, helping a neighbor, or supporting a family member in need, service activities can reinforce the gospel principles taught at home.

  4. Setting Spiritual Goals: Encourage each family member to set and work towards personal spiritual goals. This could involve memorizing scriptures, participating in family history work, or developing a new Christlike attribute. Family members can support each other in these goals, creating a sense of shared spiritual growth.

Gospel-centered parenting practices have a profound impact on the spiritual development of children. By teaching through example, creating a loving and respectful home environment, engaging in regular family prayer and scripture study, fostering individual spiritual growth, and disciplining with love, parents can fulfill their divine role in God’s plan. These practices not only help children build a strong testimony but also prepare them to become righteous individuals who will contribute positively to society and their future families.

Call to Action:

Take time to reflect on your current parenting practices and consider how you can more fully integrate gospel principles into your daily family life. What changes can you make to create a more gospel-centered home environment? Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas in the comments below, and let’s support each other in our journey to raise our children in love and righteousness.

Resource: Hawkins, Alan J., et al. Successful Marriages and Families: Proclamation Principles and Research Perspectives. BYU Studies and School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, 2016.

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