It is impossible to overestimate the influence of parents who understand the hearts of their children. Research shows that during the most important transitions of lifeโincluding those periods when youth are most likely to drift away from the Churchโthe greatest influence does not come from an interview with the bishop or some other leader but from the regular, warm, friendly, caring interaction with parents.
Robert D. HalesTests and trials are given to all of us. These mortal challenges allow us and our Heavenly Father to see whether we will exercise our agency to follow His Son. He already knows, and we have the opportunity to learn, that no matter how difficult our circumstances, all these things shall be for our experience, and our good.
Robert D. HalesThere is nothing that we are enduring that Jesus does not understand, and He waits for us to go to our Heavenly Father in prayer. If we will be obedient and if we are diligent, our prayers will be answered, our problems will diminish, our fears will dissipate, light will come upon us, the darkness of despair will be dispersed, and we will be close to the Lord.
Robert D. HalesWork together as a family, even if it may be faster and easier to do the job ourselves. Talk with our sons and daughters as we work together.
Robert D. HalesI learned respect for womanhood from my father's tender caring for my mother, my sister, and his sisters. Father was the first to arise from dinner to clear the table. My sister and I would wash and dry the dishes each night at Father's request. If we were not there, Father and Mother would clean the kitchen together.
Robert D. Hales