MH page 394

No barrier of coldness and reserve should be allowed to arise between parents and children. Let parents become acquainted with their children, seeking to understand their tastes and dispositions, entering into their feelings, and drawing out what is in their hearts.

Parents should maintain open communication, warmth, and understanding with their children. The text provides moral and relational advice regarding parent-child communication and emotional closeness.

Parents, let your children see that you love them and will do all in your power to make them happy. If you do so, your necessary restrictions will have far greater weight in their young minds. Rule your children with tenderness and compassion, remembering that “their angels do always behold the face of My Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 18:10 . If you desire the angels to do for your children the work given them of God, co- operate with them by doing your part.

Parental love and tenderness enhance the effectiveness of household rules, backed by divine spiritual oversight. Combines practical parenting advice with a direct biblical quotation and spiritual claim regarding angels.

Brought up under the wise and loving guidance of a true home, children will have no desire to wander away in search of pleasure and companionship. Evil will not attract them. The spirit that prevails in the home will mold their characters; they will form habits and principles that will be a strong defense against temptation when they shall leave the home shelter and take their place in the world.

A loving and well-guided home environment protects children from destructive temptations and shapes positive character. Emphasizes the ethical and formative influence of home atmosphere on the character habits of children.

Children as well as parents have important duties in the home. They should be taught that they are a part of the home firm. They are fed and clothed and loved and cared for, and they should respond to these many mercies by bearing their share of the home burdens and bringing all the happiness possible into the family of which they are members.

Children share responsibility for contributing to household duties and family happiness. Provides ethical instruction regarding children's responsibilities and participation in family life.

Children are sometimes tempted to chafe under restraint; but in afterlife they will bless their parents for the faithful care and strict watchfulness that guarded and guided them in their years of inexperience.

Strict watchfulness and discipline, though occasionally chafed against in youth, are appreciated in later life. Offers reflection on parental discipline and the perspective gained in adulthood.