20 Good Parenting Tips from a Prophet of God

Here are 20 good parenting tips from a prophet with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These parenting ideas are inspired by words from a prophet who speaks with God.

One Sunday in Relief Society, our lesson was from chapter 15 of the Ezra Taft Benson manual, “The Sacred Callings of Fathers and Mothers.”  As part of the lesson, President Benson gives twenty specific ways that mothers and fathers can magnify their callings as parents: ten for fathers and ten for mothers.

I love lists. I would have been an amazing Pharisee! How many footsteps can I take on the Sabbath? What can I eat? What is the proper procedure for being cleansed from my sins? Seriously, the Law of Moses would have been a piece of cake!

The ambiguous statements like “be humble” and “attend the temple often” are more difficult for me. This is why I got a degree in math! Things are simple and straightforward. I have a hard time working towards goals that don’t have steps or concrete pieces.

In order to help myself and my engineering husband, I took these commandments?  hints? suggestions from President Benson and made cute printables to hang on our bathroom mirrors to remind ourselves each day what we should be working towards.

Some of these parenting tips from the prophet are a tad on the vague side (“truly love your children), but others are concrete things that we can do together.

However, if loving your children is something you struggle with, then check out our post on 15 ways to show affection with your kid’s love language.

Here you go! Happy parenting!


10 Parenting Tips from a Prophet – for Mothers

Expressing affection for parenting tips reflects a positive sentiment towards the shared advice and guidance tailored for mothers. Here are good parenting tips for mothers.


1. Be at the Crossroads as Your Children Are Coming and Going

“Be at the Crossroads as Your Children Are Coming and Going” highlights active parental engagement in key moments. It goes beyond physical presence, emphasizing emotional and supportive involvement during transitions like new experiences (coming) or farewells (going).

This phrase underscores parenthood’s dynamic nature, stressing the need for adaptability and awareness. By being present, parents build strong connections, fostering open communication and a sense of security. It’s an invitation to share in joys, provide comfort during challenges, and continuously nurture the parent-child relationship through the evolving journey of childhood and beyond.


2. Be a Friend: Listen, Play, Sing, Talk, Hug, Bond

“Be a Friend: Listen, Play, Sing, Talk, Hug, Bond” emphasizes parents’ crucial role in their child’s life. It urges an active and nurturing approach through listening, play, singing, engaging conversations, hugs, and the healthy development of strong emotional bonds.

In the context of the second statement, it empowers mothers to surpass mere family bonds, stressing their pivotal role in actively nurturing their child’s spiritual growth. This resource equips mothers with practical suggestions, instilling confidence to navigate the intricacies of parenting while actively being a spiritual guide and emotional support for their children.


3. Read to Your Children Frequently

Make reading a frequent activity with your children, fostering emotional, intellectual, and spiritual well-being. Beyond daily challenges, these tips highlight the profound impact mothers can have on shaping their children’s character and future. Engaging in reading sessions promotes literacy, strengthens the parent-child connection, and contributes to holistic development.

This advice encourages mothers to intentionally create a nurturing environment, recognizing its lasting impact and inspiring a proactive, positive parenting approach for positive character development and a bright future.


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4. Pray With Your Children

Praying with your children is more than a routine; it’s a powerful practice fostering a profound connection. This transcendent act creates a sacred space for shared moments of reflection, gratitude, and spiritual growth. In “10 Parenting Tips from a Prophet – for Mothers,” this advice serves as a beacon for mothers at any parenting stage.

It’s not just a manual positive parenting technique; it’s a supportive companion acknowledging both the joys and challenges of motherhood. Whether navigating new motherhood or bringing seasoned experience, this resource offers inspiration and practical wisdom. It’s a testament to the idea that, in the tapestry of parenthood, spiritual connection, and practical guidance are intricately woven together.


5. Have Meaningful, Weekly Family Home Evening

Weekly Family Home Evenings are more than scheduled activities; they’re a deliberate effort to nurture family bonds and create lasting memories. This practice fosters open communication, understanding, and unity, extending its impact far beyond individual sessions. Aligned with “10 Parenting Tips from a Prophet – for Mothers,” this advice recognizes the challenges of motherhood, providing a strategic approach to building a strong family foundation. Whether you’re a new mom finding your parenting rhythm or a seasoned mother adapting to evolving dynamics, this resource serves as a compass, inspiring and offering practical insights into fostering family togetherness and resilience.


6. Have Conversational Mealtimes As Often As Possible

Prioritizing conversational mealtimes goes beyond eating; it’s a powerful tool for fostering family connection. These shared moments offer opportunities for meaningful discussions, laughter, and the exchange of ideas—nourishing not only the body but also healthy relationships and open communication.

In effective parenting, this stands as a simple yet impactful strategy, recognizing that family significance extends beyond daily routines. It acknowledges the potential impact of shared mealtimes on a child’s emotional well-being. Whether navigating the challenges of first-time parenthood or managing the dynamics of a growing family, embracing conversational mealtimes becomes a ritual contributing to a supportive and communicative family environment.


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7. Read Scriptures Together Daily

Reading scriptures together daily is more than a religious practice; it’s a purposeful endeavor to nurture family bonds and instill shared values. This intentional act becomes a cornerstone for creating a spiritual foundation within the family. Beyond the words on the page, it offers a shared experience fostering unity, understanding, and a collective sense of purpose.

In the broader context of effective parenting, this guidance goes beyond the routine, emphasizing the profound impact of weaving spiritual moments into daily life. It provides children with a compass for moral, good behavior, and ethical guidance. Whether you’re a new parent introducing your child to sacred texts or a seasoned mom fostering a continued connection to faith, the commitment to daily scripture reading becomes a ritual transcending generation, fostering a legacy of shared beliefs and family unity.


8. Do Things Together As a Family

Engaging in family activities is more than a pastime; it’s a deliberate effort to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. This intentional choice cultivates togetherness, fosters understanding, and nurtures a supportive family dynamic. Effective parenting, goes beyond the ordinary, emphasizing the significance of shared experiences in shaping a child’s worldview and emotional well-being.

Whether a new parent navigating family life or a seasoned mom adapting to evolving dynamics, the commitment to family activities becomes a cherished ritual, building a resilient unit with communication, teamwork, and a sense of belonging resonating through parenthood.


9. Teach Your Children in All Types of Situations

Parenting is more than classrooms; it’s an ongoing commitment to impart wisdom and life skills to kids in varied situations. This approach underscores that teaching moments arise in everyday life, instilling resilience, problem-solving, and values beyond traditional education.

In the broader context, it highlights parents as constant educators, recognizing diverse opportunities for valuable lessons. Whether navigating a child’s early years or adapting to evolving family needs, the dedication to teach in all situations is vital for nurturing well-rounded individuals.


10. Truly Love Your Children

Loving your children is more than a sentiment; it’s a profound commitment to embracing and appreciating them for who they are. This genuine affection becomes the cornerstone for building a strong parent-child bond, fostering a sense of security, and nurturing their emotional well-being. In the broader context of effective parenting, this advice underscores the transformative power of unconditional love.


10 Parenting Tips from a Prophet – for Fathers

Fathers are just as important as mothers!  Here are good parenting skills tips for fathers from a prophet on how they can improve their parenting skills.

1. Participate in Father’s Blessings and Other Priesthood Ordinances

Participating in father’s blessings and other priesthood ordinances is a significant aspect of religious practices in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These sacred rituals, led by fathers or priesthood holders, include blessings for guidance and healing, as well as essential ceremonies like baptisms and confirmations. They play a crucial role in nurturing spiritual well-being within the family, fostering moments of connection and divine guidance.


2. Personally Direct Family Prayer and Scriptures

Directing family prayer and personally engaging in scripture study is a meaningful practice within many households. This involves taking an active role in leading family members in prayer sessions and creating an environment of shared spirituality and connection. Additionally, personally directing scripture study emphasizes the importance of individual involvement in exploring and understanding sacred texts.

It fosters a sense of unity, spiritual growth, and shared values within the family. This practice contributes to a nurturing atmosphere where family members can collectively seek guidance and inspiration, strengthening their faith and bond with each other.


3. Attend Church Meetings As a Family

Attending church meetings as a family is a communal practice that fosters shared spiritual experiences and strengthens family bonds. This involves gathering together to participate in worship, religious teachings, and community fellowship.

It provides an opportunity for family members to collectively engage in their faith, share in the learning experience, and connect with their religious community. The act of attending church meetings as a family contributes to a sense of unity, reinforces shared values, and supports the spiritual growth of each family member.


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4. Go on Daddy- Daughter and Father-Son Dates

Going on daddy-daughter and father-son dates is a special bonding tradition within many families. These one-on-one outings create opportunities for quality time and individual connections between fathers and their children.

Whether it’s a planned activity, a meal, or a shared hobby, these dates strengthen the unique relationship between a father and each of his children. They provide a platform for open communication, shared experiences, and the cultivation of precious memories. This intentional time together fosters a deeper understanding and connection, contributing to the overall well-being of the parent-child relationship.


5. Build Traditions of Family Vacations and Outings

Establishing traditions of family vacations and outings is a wonderful way to create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds. This involves planning and participating in regular trips or excursions together, whether it’s a yearly vacation or spontaneous day outings.

These shared experiences provide opportunities for family members to connect, have fun, and build a sense of togetherness. Whether exploring new destinations, enjoying recreational activities, or simply spending quality time, these traditions contribute to a positive and enriching family culture. They create a foundation of shared experiences that enhance the overall unity and joy within the family.


6. Have Regular One-On-One Visits With Each Child

Engage in regular one-on-one visits with good parents and each child to foster individual connections and strengthen parent-child relationships. This practice involves spending dedicated time with each child, focusing on their unique interests, concerns, and experiences.

These personalized moments create a space for open communication, understanding, and the building of trust. Whether it’s a conversation, an activity, or simply sharing quality time, these visits contribute to a deeper bond between parents and each of their children. This intentional approach ensures that each child feels valued and supported within the family dynamic.


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7. Teach Your Children About Work

Teaching your children about work is a valuable aspect of their upbringing to promote healthy development. This involves imparting the importance of responsibility, diligence, and a strong work ethic. Parents can involve children in age-appropriate tasks, chores, or activities, instilling a sense of contribution and accomplishment.

Through these experiences, children learn essential life skills, the value of effort, and the satisfaction of completing tasks. The lessons about work go beyond the immediate responsibilities, shaping their character and preparing them for future challenges. This intentional teaching fosters a positive attitude toward work and instills a sense of responsibility in children as they grow.


8. Encourage Good Music, Art, and Literature

Encouraging appreciation for good music, art, and literature is an enriching aspect of a child’s development and upbringing. This involves introducing children to high-quality and diverse cultural expressions and fostering a love for creativity and beauty. Parents can expose their children to various genres of music, art forms, and literature that align with their values and interests.

This intentional encouragement contributes to the development of a well-rounded and culturally aware individual. It nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts, broadening a child’s perspective and enhancing their overall education.


9. Regularly Attend the Temple With Your Wife

Regularly attending the temple with your wife is a meaningful practice within many families. This involves participating in religious ceremonies and worship at the temple as a couple, fostering a shared spiritual connection.

These joint visits provide opportunities for reflection, prayer, and strengthened unity in faith. Attending the temple together is a commitment to shared values, spiritual growth, and the building of a strong marital bond. This intentional practice contributes to the overall spiritual well-being of the couple and reinforces the importance of their religious beliefs in their lives.


10. Show Your Joy and Satisfaction in Church Service

Expressing joy and satisfaction in church service is a positive example within the family. This involves demonstrating genuine enthusiasm and fulfillment in actively participating and serving within the church community.

Parents can model a sense of joy and satisfaction through their child’s behavior and engagement in various church activities, volunteering, and contributing to the community. This intentional display of positivity encourages children to view church service as a source of fulfillment, reinforcing the importance of actively participating and giving back to the community. It fosters a sense of purpose and shared commitment to the values upheld within the church.



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