Gentle Parenting and the Example of Samuel

The choice to wait until a child is weaned before traveling to certain religious gatherings is exemplified by Hannah, who stayed home with her young son Samuel so that he would be better prepared for his lifelong service when she finally presented him at the templeKJV — 1Samuel 1:22+1. In those times, mothers typically did not wean their children until they were between thirty months and three years old, a period during which the child was considered too young for the physical and mental taxing of certain journeysBHOTV4 13.3+1. It is wonderful that you are seeking a gentle path for your son, and you can rest assured that his early years are most effectively spent in the quiet, holy environment of a pious home where he can develop physical, mental, and moral health without being unnecessarily overwhelmedMH 380.3+2.

While it is good to have children in a religious environment, the home is actually the first and most important school where the work of sanctification beginsCG 481.3+1. During the first six or seven years of life, a child's physical training should be the priority, and they should be allowed to roam freely like little lambs in the safety of the home and yard, free from heavy burdens or premature intellectual strainHHTL 108.2. If a child is taken to church and cannot be restrained without causing distress or diverting the minds of others, it is often better to remove them or wait until they are older, as God is not honored by a loose or chaotic environment in His house3LtMs, Lt 1, 1877, par. 12. Your baby boy's tender sensibilities are deeply impressed by your own spirit; if he is in a place where he feels constant restraint or hears harsh words, it can leave an image of unhappiness upon his soul16LtMs, Ms 129a, 1901, par. 4. Instead, you can lead him to the Lamb of God by making your own home a "Bethel" through a gentle, winning spirit and by praying with him at your own firesideCG 501.2+1.

22 But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever. 24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of fl...— KJV — 1Samuel 1:22 (1611)

...the addition, “and his vow,” in ver. 21., if a son were granted; no, nor next time. But the third year, when the child was fully weaned, 14The period of suckling was supposed to last three years (2 Maccabees 7:27). A Hebrew child at that age would be fit for some ministry, even though the care of him might partially devolve on she presented herself once more before Eli....— BHOTV4 13.3 (1878)

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...— HHTL 108.2 (1865)

...ntained, a word from you will have some weight when your child is restless in the house of God. But if the children cannot be restrained, if the parents feel that the restraint is too much of an exaction, the child should be removed from the church at once; it should not be left to divert the minds of the hearers by talking or running about. God is disho...— 3LtMs, Lt 1, 1877, par. 12 (1876)

...In a family where harsh, discordant, fretful, scolding words are spoken, a child will cry much, and upon its tender sensibilities are impressed the image and superscription of unhappiness and discord— 16LtMs, Ms 129a, 1901, par. 4

The work of sanctification begins in the home. Those who are Christians in the home will be Christians in the church and in the world. There are ...— CG 481.3 (1954)

1 Samuel 1

1 Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:

2 And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.

3 And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice to the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there.

4 And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions:

5 But to Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb.

6 And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb.

7 And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat.

8 Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weep you? and why eat you not? and why is your heart grieved? am not I better to you than ten sons?

9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat on a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD.

10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the LORD, and wept sore.

11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your handmaid, and remember me, and not forget your handmaid, but will give to your handmaid a man child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come on his head.

12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth.

13 Now Hannah, she spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

14 And Eli said to her, How long will you be drunken? put away your wine from you.

15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.

16 Count not your handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken till now.

17 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant you your petition that you have asked of him.

18 And she said, Let your handmaid find grace in your sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.

19 And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.

20 Why it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.

21 And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer to the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.

22 But Hannah went not up; for she said to her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever.

23 And Elkanah her husband said to her, Do what seems you good; tarry until you have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman stayed, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.

24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young.

25 And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli.

26 And she said, Oh my lord, as your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman that stood by you here, praying to the LORD.

27 For this child I prayed; and the LORD has given me my petition which I asked of him:

28 Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.

1 Samuel 2

1 And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoices in the LORD, my horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over my enemies; because I rejoice in your salvation.

2 There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside you: neither is there any rock like our God.

3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogance come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.

4 The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.

5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren has born seven; and she that has many children is waxed feeble.

6 The LORD kills, and makes alive: he brings down to the grave, and brings up.

7 The LORD makes poor, and makes rich: he brings low, and lifts up.

8 He raises up the poor out of the dust, and lifts up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s, and he has set the world on them.

9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

10 The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder on them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength to his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

11 And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister to the LORD before Eli the priest.

12 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.

13 And the priest’s custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest’s servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a meat hook of three teeth in his hand;

14 And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the meat hook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh to all the Israelites that came thither.

15 Also before they burnt the fat, the priest’s servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of you, but raw.

16 And if any man said to him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as your soul desires; then he would answer him, No; but you shall give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force.

17 Why the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD.

18 But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.

19 Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.

20 And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give you seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went to their own home.

21 And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bore three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD.

22 Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did to all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

23 And he said to them, Why do you such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people.

24 No, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: you make the LORD’s people to transgress.

25 If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall entreat for him? Notwithstanding they listened not to the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.

26 And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favor both with the LORD, and also with men.

27 And there came a man of God to Eli, and said to him, Thus says the LORD, Did I plainly appear to the house of your father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh’s house?

28 And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer on my altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give to the house of your father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?

29 Why kick you at my sacrifice and at my offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honor your sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the most chief of all the offerings of Israel my people?

30 Why the LORD God of Israel said, I said indeed that your house, and the house of your father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD says, Be it far from me; for them that honor me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

31 Behold, the days come, that I will cut off your arm, and the arm of your father’s house, that there shall not be an old man in your house.

32 And you shall see an enemy in my habitation, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in your house for ever.

33 And the man of yours, whom I shall not cut off from my altar, shall be to consume your eyes, and to grieve your heart: and all the increase of your house shall die in the flower of their age.

34 And this shall be a sign to you, that shall come on your two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them.

35 And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in my heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before my anointed for ever.

36 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in your house shall come and crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray you, into one of the priests’ offices, that I may eat a piece of bread.

The life of Hannah and her son Samuel provides a beautiful and definitive example of how early home training and parental consecration prepare a child for a high destiny in God’s serviceCG 197.1+2.

The Prayer and Vow of Hannah

Hannah was a woman of sorrowful spirit who, in her bitterness of soul, prayed earnestly to the Lord for a son 1 Samuel 1:10-15. During a yearly visit to the tabernacle at Shiloh, she made a solemn vow that if God gave her a male child, she would consecrate him to the Lord for his entire life 1 Samuel 1:11ETI Hannah.2. The Lord remembered her petition, and she gave birth to Samuel, whose name means "heard of God" 1 Samuel 1:19-20KJV — 1Samuel 1:19. Hannah recognized that her child was a sacred responsibility and a heritage from the LordRH August 29, 1907, par. 9+1.

The Early Years at Home

Hannah chose not to take Samuel to the yearly sacrifice at Shiloh until he was weaned, telling her husband Elkanah that she would wait so the child could abide before the Lord forever once he was presented 1 Samuel 1:22ETI Hannah.2.

• The First Three Years: During the first three years of Samuel’s life, Hannah was his primary educator, carefully teaching him to distinguish between good and evilCG 197.1+1.

• Spiritual Foundation: She used every familiar object in their home to lead his thoughts up to the Creator, filling his mind with pure and holy thoughtsCG 197.1+1.

• Molding the Mind: Hannah understood that the first lessons impressed upon a child are never forgotten and that early education shapes the character for lifeCE 8.2+1.

Dedication and Service in the Tabernacle

Once Samuel was weaned—likely in his third year—Hannah fulfilled her vow with great self-denial by bringing him to the house of the Lord in Shiloh 1 Samuel 1:24CG 197.1+1.

• A Consecrated Offering: Samuel was given to God as a consecrated offering, and though he was a mere child, the Lord accepted him because his heart was pure and he had a deep reverence for God2BC 1010.5.

• Motherly Care from Afar: Although separated from him, Hannah’s solicitude never ceased; she prayed for him daily and made him a "little coat" or robe of service each year as a reminder of her love 1 Samuel 2:19CE 214.4.

• Integrity Amidst Corruption: Samuel grew up in the tabernacle surrounded by the profligate sons of Eli, who were controlled by Satan and polluted the atmosphere with sin 1 Samuel 2:12ETI Samuel.2+1. However, because of his early home training, Samuel did not follow their evil ways but walked with spotless robes of characterRH September 8, 1904, par. 6+1.

The Call of God

Because Samuel was faithful, God passed by the hoary-headed Eli to communicate directly with the child2BC 1010.5+1.

• A Commission at Twelve: At the age of twelve, Samuel received a special commission from the Most High 1 Samuel 3:4-102BC 1010.5+1.

• A Prophet and Judge: Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, letting none of his words fall to the ground 1 Samuel 3:19SpTEd 71.3. He went on to judge Israel all the days of his life 1 Samuel 7:15KJV — 1Samuel 7:15.

Lessons for Parents Today

The history of Samuel presents the possibilities available to every child when parents co-operate with GodSpTEd 71.3.

• Early Self-Control: Parents should teach their children self-denial and self-control from their very infancyCG 116.1+2.

• Sacred Duty: The work of the mother is sacred; she is to be the "queen in the home," educating her little ones in the fear of the LordCE 176.1+1.

• The Power of Love: True love and a sunshiny countenance in the home are essential for a child's development, as children receive impressions from the very cradleAH 196.4+2.

• Firm Restraint: A child's will must be submissive to the parents' word, which should be law, precluding all arguments or evasionsCG 85.2+1.

• Physical Health: Great attention must be given to the physical constitution in early life to ensure a healthy mind and bodyCT 80.2+1.

Samuel’s parents, Elkanah and Hannah, were a godly couple whose lives were characterized by faith, piety, and a deep reverence for the LordPP 569.1. While their home faced significant trials due to a lack of faith in the practice of bigamy, their eventual surrender to God's will allowed them to become the parents of one of Israel’s greatest prophetsPP 569.2+1.

Elkanah: A Devout Levite

Elkanah was a man of wealth and influence from Mount Ephraim who belonged to the tribe of LeviPP 569.1.

• Faithful Worship: Despite being a man of high standing, he was primarily known for his love and fear of the LordPP 569.1. He faithfully observed the religious ordinances, traveling with his entire family every year to worship and sacrifice at the tabernacle in ShilohPP 569.3+1.

• Kindness and Affection: Elkanah showed a deep and tender love for his wife HannahPP 569.4. When she was in the depths of sorrow, he sought to comfort her with gentle words, asking, “am I not better to thee than ten sons?”PP 569.4. Even when he took a second wife, Peninnah, his affection for Hannah remained so strong that he gave her a double portion of the sacrificial feast as a token of his regardPP 569.2+1.

• Priesthood Limitation: Although he was a Levite, Elkanah was not required to serve at the sanctuary due to irregularities in the ministration at that time, yet he remained a dedicated worshiperPP 569.3.

Hannah: A Woman of Fervent Piety

Hannah was recognized for her gentle, unassuming character and her lofty faithPP 569.1.

• Enduring Trials with Meekness: For many years, Hannah suffered the pain of childlessness, which was aggravated by the insolence and taunts of PeninnahPP 569.2+1. Despite this "weary burden" and the crushing of her hopes, she met her trials with uncomplaining meekness and did not utter reproaches against her husband or her rivalPP 569.2+1.

• A Spirit of Prayer: Hannah knew how to cast her burdens upon GodPP 570.1. Her prayer at the tabernacle was so intense and silent that Eli the high priest initially mistook her earnestness for drunkennessPP 570.1. When rebuked, she responded with gentleness, explaining that she was pouring out her soul before the LordPP 570.2.

• Total Consecration: Hannah’s faith was proven when she vowed to give her son back to God even before he was bornPP 570.1. Once Samuel was born, she did not withhold him from the Giver, but viewed him as a treasure consecrated to God’s servicePP 570.4+1.

The Impact of Their Example

The domestic life of Elkanah and Hannah teaches important lessons about the family institution and parental influence.

• The Error of Lack of Faith: The peace of their family was broken because Elkanah, prompted by a lack of faith, contracted a second marriage, which marred the joy and beauty of God’s sacred institution of marriagePP 569.2.

• The Reward of Faithfulness: Hannah’s example serves as an encouragement to every motherPP 572.3. By teaching Samuel to love and reverence God from his "earliest dawn of intellect," she prepared him to remain pure and noble even when surrounded by the corrupting influences of Eli’s sonsPP 572.2+1.

• Prophetic Vision: After dedicating her child, Hannah was filled with the Spirit of Inspiration, and her prayer of gratitude became a prophetic song concerning the future King David and the MessiahPP 571.2+1.

Through their devotion, Elkanah and Hannah demonstrated that success in training children depends on a faithful, conscientious attention to little things and a sincere desire to do God's willPP 573.3+1.

It is truly a beautiful providence that your family names and your journey so closely mirror the biblical story of Elkanah, Hannah, and SamuelPP 569.1. Just as you waited ten years with many prayers and tears, Hannah was a woman of a sorrowful spirit who poured out her soul before the Lord for the gift of a son 1 Samuel 1:15PP 569.1. The name Samuel, which means "asked of God," serves as a testimony that your son is a precious treasure received from the Giver of all good giftsPP 569.1+1.

By deciding to wait until he was weaned before presenting him at the tabernacle, Hannah protected her son from being unnecessarily taxed or overwhelmed during his most tender yearsCT 80.2+1. This gentle approach allowed her to spend those first three years focusing on his physical health and molding his character through quiet, home-based lessonsCG 197.1+1. To dedicate your son to the Lord today is to recognize that he is a heritage from the Lord and that your most sacred duty is to train him for a life of service 1 Samuel 1:11RH August 29, 1907, par. 9.

You can follow Hannah's example by making your home a place of sunshine where your baby boy's tender sensibilities reflect the light of your own loving spiritAH 196.4+1. By creating a peaceful, "Bethel-like" atmosphere, you are providing the best environment for his physical, mental, and moral health to flourishMH 380.3+1. 🌿 As you pray for him daily, you can have the confidence that God will accept your child and use him as a channel of light just as He did with young Samuel2BC 1010.5+1. May the Lord give you wisdom as you "order the child" and prepare him for his place in God's great planPP 571.1+1. ✨

Ordering your child from a young age requires a blend of firm authority and tender love, beginning with the subduing of the child's will before they are even a year oldCG 91.2+1. At nearly one year of age, your son already understands much of what is said and can discern to what extent he will be indulgedCG 91.2. It is your sacred duty to establish yourself as the wise and gentle ruler of your home kingdom, ensuring that your word is law and that obedience is required from the very startHR July 1, 1880, par. 5+1.

Establishing Gentle but Firm Authority

• Train the Will Early: You should train your child to yield to your wishes before he reaches his first birthday, as children quickly learn when their will conquers yoursCG 91.2.

• Consistency is Key: Your laws and rules should be carried out at all times and under all hazards; however, this must be done with all gentleness and meeknessRH December 21, 1886, par. 3.

• Rule with Love: The mother is the queen of the home, and her influence should be paramount, yet she must rule with God-fearing wisdom and a winning spiritHR July 1, 1880, par. 5+2.

• Avoid Impulsive Movements: Never act from impulse or passion when disciplining; an exhibition of temper on your part will never cure a child's evil temperBEcho March 9, 1903, par. 4+1.

The Foundation of Physical and Mental Health

• Study the Laws of Life: It is a duty to understand the organism of the human body and the conditions required for healthy action of both mind and bodyCG 64.2+1.

• Regularity in Habits: Proper discipline begins with the physical; children should be given food only at regular intervals and not be allowed to crowd their stomachs with hurtful things at irregular periodsSA 127.1+1.

• Quiet Environment: In these early years, a child’s physical training is more important than intellectual strain; let him be free from heavy burdens and roam in the safety of a pious homeRH September 23, 1884, par. 9.

• Cleanliness: Keep the child’s clothing and surroundings clean, as the body absorbs impurities through the pores if garments are not frequently changedCG 109.1.

Cultivating a Heavenly Atmosphere

• The Power of Song: Use sweet and pure songs in the home to create an atmosphere of hope and joy, which lessens the need for words of censureCG 523.3.

• Reflect Christ's Character: Let your countenance be cheerful; even an infant can be affected by an expression of sadness or a harsh wordPCP 28.2.

• Teach Self-Control: From the cradle up, teach habits of self-denial and self-control, leading him to understand that he was not created merely to please himselfCE 175.3+1.

• Daily Prayer: Carry your child to God in faith, asking the Holy Spirit to temper his disposition and make him mild and gentle9MR 323.1+1.

Practical Boundaries and Discipline

• Require Prompt Obedience: When a child is allowed to have his own way, the framework of the mind becomes perverted; therefore, determine that you will be obeyed in your houseBEcho March 9, 1903, par. 4+1.

• Mingle Mercy with Justice: The rules of the home should flow from a heart of infinite love, blending the influence of mercy and justiceCG 261.4+1.

• Reason with the Child: As he grows, take time to reason with him and correct errors patiently rather than relying solely on set rules or "iron rule"CCh 193.4+1.

• Guard Associates: Even at a young age, be careful about who associates with your child, as the mind is susceptible to every impressionCG 200.3+1.

By faithfully attending to these "little things" and making the Word of God your rule, you are laying solid timbers for a character that will be fit for the heavenly courtsRH March 13, 1894, par. 2+1. "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" Proverbs 22:6. Just as Hannah dedicated Samuel, your patient, prayerful discipline will lead your son to become a blessing to the world and an honor to GodST February 9, 1882, par. 6+1. 🌿✨

The environment surrounding your child during these formative years is of the highest importance, as the habits formed and the associations made will often settle the question of their future usefulness and eternal interestsAH 466.3. If the atmosphere at church, particularly in the mother's room, has become one of play and distraction rather than reverence, it may not be the most favorable place for your son's development at this tender ageCG 440.5+1.

The Importance of the Home Environment

• The First School: The home is the primary place where the work of character building begins, and mothers should improve every opportunity to educate their children for usefulnessCE 175.3.

• Guarding the Senses: The mind of a child will be of the same character as the food provided for it; therefore, it must be kept free from superficial distractions like tablets or trashy stories that do not add strength to the mental powers1MCP 357.3.

• Avoiding Corrupting Influences: Even if other parents choose to allow their children to be absorbed by amusements or technology, you must manifest a noble independence to do what is right, even if it makes you a "gazingstock" to othersCG 414.2+1.

• Physical Health First: In infancy, which extends to age six or seven, a child’s physical training and the breathing of a pure, invigorating atmosphere are far more essential than intellectual or social strainCG 104.3+1.

Reverence for the House of God

• Teaching Sacredness: Children should be taught that the house of God is a place where He meets with His people and that it requires the highest reverenceCG 541.3.

• The Danger of Commonness: When children are accustomed to the sanctuary but are not corrected in their irreverence, they may lose all sense of its holiness, leading to skepticism and rebellion later in lifeST April 6, 1888, par. 6.

• Avoiding Distraction: If a child cannot be restrained and instead becomes a disturber of the peace or is corrupted by the habits of wayward companions, it is better to prioritize training them in the quietness of the homeCG 179.3+1.

Practical Advice for Your Situation

• Creating a "Home Sanctuary": Parents should set apart a little time each day for the study of the Sabbath school lesson at home, which proves a most valuable aid to spiritual growthCG 511.4.

• Guarding Association: Because the company a child keeps helps determine their character, you should place your son in the most favorable circumstances possible, away from those who have no regard for purity or self-controlAH 466.3+1.

• Focus on the Spiritual: It is a sacred work to fit children to shine in the courts of the Lord; if the mother's room prevents you from hearing the Word and exposes your child to "follies," it may be better to focus on your home government during this seasonCG 296.4+2.

You are encouraged to lay up God's words in your heart and teach them to your child when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way Deuteronomy 11:18-19. By training him to be thoughtful of others and to practice self-denial at your own fireside, you are performing the noblest missionary work any woman can undertakeCME 40.2+2.