PSALM 127:3

Lo, children [are] an

heritage of the LORD:
[and] the fruit of the
womb [is his] reward.
Children are the heritage of the Lord, and
we are answerable to Him for our
management of His property. . . . In
love, faith, and prayer let parents work
for their households, until with joy they
can come to God saying, "Behold, I and
the children whom the Lord hath given
me." AH 159
PRE-NATAL INFLUENCES
Even before the birth of the child,
the preparation should begin
that will enable it to fight
successfully the battle against
evil. {AH 255.4}
PRE-NATAL INFLUENCES
If before the birth of her child she is self-
indulgent, if she is selfish, impatient,
and exacting, these traits will be
reflected in the disposition of the child.
Thus many children have received as a
birthright almost unconquerable
tendencies to evil. {AH 256.1}
PRE-NATAL INFLUENCES

But if the mother unswervingly

adheres to right principles, if she is
temperate and self-denying, if she is
kind, gentle, and unselfish, she may
give her child these same precious
traits of character. {AH 256.2}
INFANCY: A VERY IMPORTANT TIME!
Mothers, be sure that you properly discipline your
children during the first three years of their
lives. Do not allow them to form their wishes
and desires. The mother must be mind for her
child. The first three years is the time in which
to bend the tiny twig. Mothers should
understand the importance attaching to this
period. It is then that the foundation is laid.
{CG 194.2}
INFANCY: A VERY IMPORTANT TIME!
During the first six or seven years of a child's life,
special attention should be given to its physical
training, rather than the intellect. After this period, if
the physical constitution is good, the education of
both should receive attention. Infancy extends to
the age of six or seven years. Up to this period
children should be left, like little lambs, to roam
around the house and in the yards, in the buoyancy
of their spirits, skipping and jumping, free from care
and trouble. {CG 300.3}
IMPORTANT LESSONS TO LEARN
1. OBEDIENCE, RESPECT, AND REVERENCE
Obedience to parental authority should be
inculcated in babyhood and cultivated in youth.
Some parents think that they can let their little ones
have their own way in their babyhood, and then
when they get older, they will reason with them;
but this is a mistake. Begin in the baby life to
teach obedience. . . . Require obedience in your
home school. CG 82
2. SELF-CONTROL
One precious lesson which the mother will need to
repeat again and again is that the child is not to
rule; he is not the master, but her will and her
wishes are to be supreme. Thus she is teaching
them self-control. Give them nothing for which
they cry, even if your tender heart desires ever so
much to do this; for if they gain the victory once by
crying they will expect to do it again. The second
time the battle will be more vehement. {CG 92.1}
3. HEALTH PRINCIPLES

From the first dawn of reason,

the human mind should become
intelligent in regard to the
physical structure. CG 103
THIS INCLUDES:

• Anatomy and Physiology

• Cleanliness
• Order
• Regularity
4. HELPFULNESS, RESPONSIBILITY, AND INDUSTRY

In the home school the children should be taught how to

perform the practical duties of everyday life. While
they are still young, the mother should give them
some simple task to do each day. It will take longer
for her to teach them how than it would to do
it herself; but let her remember that she is to
lay for their character building the foundation
of helpfulness. Let her remember that the home is
a school in which she is the head teacher…
4. HELPFULNESS, RESPONSIBILITY, AND INDUSTRY

…It is hers to teach her children how to

perform the duties of the household
quickly and skillfully. As early in life as
possible they should be trained to share the
burdens of the home. From childhood, boys
and girls should be taught to bear heavier and
still heavier burdens, intelligently helping in
the work of the family firm. {CT 122.2}
5. PURITY
With what care parents should guard their children
from careless, loose, demoralizing habits!
Fathers and mothers, do you realize the
importance of the responsibility resting on you?
Do you allow your children to associate with
other children without being present to know
what kind of education they are receiving? Do
not allow them to be alone with other children.
Give them your special care. CG 114
6. SIMPLICITY

Parents have a sacred duty to

perform in teaching their children to
help bear the burdens of the home,
to be content with plain and
simple food, and neat and
inexpensive dress. {CG 141.2}
7. SELF-DENIAL AND LOVE

By precept and example, teach self-

denial, economy, largeheartedness,
and self-reliance. Everyone who has
a true character will be qualified to
cope with difficulties and will be
prompt in following a "Thus saith
the Lord." 6T 214