Elder Perry on Teaching in the Home

L. Tom Perry:
Teaching in the home is becoming increasingly important in today’s world,
where the influence of the adversary is so widespread and he is attacking,
attempting to erode and destroy the very foundation of our society, even the
family. Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and
important responsibility. While other institutions, such as church and
school, can assist parents to “train up a child in the way he [or she]
should go” (Proverbs 22:6), ultimately this responsibility rests with
parents. According to the great plan of happiness, it is parents who are
entrusted with the care and development of our Heavenly Father’s children.
Our families are an integral part of His work and glory—“to bring to pass
the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). On God’s eternal
stage, it is usually intended that parents act as the central cast members
in their children’s lives. Fortunately, there are understudies involved in
the production who may step in when parents can’t. It, however, is parents
who have been commanded by the Lord to bring up their children in light and
truth (see D&C 93:40).

Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer,
one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud,
one song, and one family meal at a time. They know that the influence of
righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most
powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world. The health of any
society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity, and their peace all
find common roots in the teaching of children in the home.

(April 2010 General Conference)