Study Guide for "Parents and Children"

In his talk "Parents and Children," President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, addresses the crucial roles of parents and children within the plan of salvation. He emphasizes the divine nature of motherhood, the unique strengths of young women in the Church, and the importance of kindness and responsible use of technology. His message serves as a reminder of the eternal significance of family and the divine qualities instilled in Latter-day Saint women and youth.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

Why does President Oaks consider children to be our most precious gift from God?
What qualities does President Gordon B. Hinckley attribute to women in their roles as mothers?
How do Latter-day Saint youth cope with the difficulties of growing up, according to President Oaks?
What counsel does President Oaks give regarding cell phone usage?
Why is kindness emphasized as an essential behavior for young women in the Church?

Topics

Recognize Children as a Precious Gift from God

President Oaks emphasizes the importance of children in God's plan of salvation, noting societal trends that delay marriage and reduce birth rates, which work against this divine plan.

Children are our most precious gift from God—our eternal increase.

Each of these trends works against our Father’s divine plan of salvation.

Why are children considered our most precious gift from God?
How do current societal trends impact the divine plan of salvation?
How can you personally support and uphold the importance of children in God's plan?
What actions can you take to counteract societal trends that delay marriage and reduce birth rates?

Embrace the Divine Role of Motherhood

President Oaks reiterates the teachings of President Gordon B. Hinckley and President Russell M. Nelson on the divine role of mothers, emphasizing that motherhood is the highest priority and ultimate joy for women.

The greatest job that any woman will ever do will be in nurturing and teaching and living and encouraging and rearing her children in righteousness and truth.

The kingdom of God is not and cannot be complete without women who make sacred covenants and then keep them.

What qualities does President Hinckley attribute to women in their roles as mothers?
Why is motherhood considered the highest priority and ultimate joy for women?
How can you better fulfill your role in nurturing and teaching children?
What steps can you take to make sacred covenants and keep them, as emphasized by President Nelson?

Leverage the Strengths of Latter-day Saint Youth

President Oaks highlights the unique strengths of Latter-day Saint youth, who cope best with the difficulties of growing up due to their understanding of the restored gospel and their identity as children of Heavenly Father.

Mormons fared best at avoiding risky behaviors, doing well in school and having a positive attitude about the future.

You know you can have the Lord’s help in overcoming all the difficulties of growing up.

What factors contribute to Latter-day Saint youth coping best with the difficulties of growing up?
How does understanding the restored gospel and their identity as children of Heavenly Father help Latter-day Saint youth?
In what ways can you strengthen your understanding of the restored gospel to better cope with life's challenges?
How can you help other youth recognize their divine identity and the Lord's help in their lives?

Limit Cell Phone Use and Dependence

President Oaks advises young women and adult women to limit their use of and dependence on cell phones, noting that excessive use can lead to anxiety and other negative effects.

It will bless your lives if you limit your use of and dependence on cell phones.

More than 40 percent said they felt anxious when they were separated from their cell phones.

What are the potential negative effects of excessive cell phone use?
Why is it important to limit dependence on cell phones?
How can you create a plan to limit your cell phone use?
What strategies can you implement to reduce anxiety related to cell phone separation?

Practice Kindness and Avoid Unkindness

President Oaks emphasizes the importance of kindness, especially among youth, and warns against unkind behaviors such as bullying, which can have devastating consequences.

Be kind to one another. Jesus taught us to love one another and to treat others as we want to be treated.

Small actions of unkindness can have devastating consequences.

Why is kindness an essential behavior for young women in the Church?
What are the potential consequences of unkind behavior?
How can you actively practice kindness in your daily interactions?
What steps can you take to avoid participating in or encouraging unkind behavior?