But, fathers, do not discourage your children....

Above all things else, let parents surround their children with an atmosphere of cheerfulness, courtesy, and love. A home where love dwells, and where it is expressed in looks, in words, and in acts, is a place where angels delight to manifest their presence. MH 386

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. MH 394

I have a message for the fathers. Unite with all possible interest with the mothers, and do not present the truth in an indifferent way. Fathers and mothers are to be faithful ministers of righteousness. Discouragement will surely be the result of neglected duties in the home. Fathers, mothers, consider that there is a united responsibility, that of aiding one another. Each has individual responsibilities in the education of his children. Each is to engage most earnestly in giving the most positive instruction to his family. 25LtMs, Ms 65, 1911, par. 6

The father is the lawmaker of the household.... God has given rules for our guidance. Children should not be left to wander away from the safe path marked out in God's word, into ways leading to danger, which are open on every side. Kindly, but firmly, with persevering, prayerful effort, their wrong desires should be restrained, their inclinations denied. MH 390

The father should enforce in his family the sterner virtues—energy, integrity, honesty, patience, courage, diligence, and practical usefulness. And what he requires of his children he himself should practice, illustrating these virtues in his own manly bearing. MH 391

But, fathers, do not discourage your children. Combine affection with authority, kindness and sympathy with firm restraint. Give some of your leisure hours to your children; become acquainted with them; associate with them in their work and in their sports, and win their confidence. Cultivate friendship with them, especially with your sons. In this way you will be a strong influence for good. MH 391



Thousands can be reached in the most simple and humble way. The most intellectual, those who are looked upon as the world’s most gifted men and women, are often refreshed by the simple words of one who loves God, and who can speak of that love as naturally as the worldling speaks of the things that interest him most deeply. COL 232



Happy is the man who has many children because they will help him in times of trouble. Psalm 127.5. The Clear Word