To a great extent everyone is the architect of his/her own character. A good character is more precious than worldly possessions, and the work of forming it is the noblest in which we can engage. Our first duty to God and our fellow beings is in self development. Every faculty with which the creator has endowed us should be cultivated to the highest degree of perfection, that we may be able to do the greatest amount of good of which we are capable. Ellen G. White, Child Guidance, pp 164,165.

From Family Life | Week of Nov. 21, 2025

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. Parents, let the sunshine of love, cheerfulness, and happy contentment  enter your own hearts; and let its sweet, cheering influence pervade your home. Ellen G. White, Child Guidance , pp 146.

From Family Life | Week of Nov. 14, 2025

Parents, teach your children......how to conduct themselves in the home with true politeness. Educate them to show kindness and tenderness to one another. Allow no selfishness to live in the heart or find room in the home. The principles of heaven are to be brought into the government of the home. Every child is to be taught to be polite, compassionate, loving, pitful, courteous and tenderhearted. Ellen G. White, Child Guidance, pp 143.

From Family Life | Week of Nov. 7, 2025

In every home there should be taught lessons on self-denial. By precept and example, teach self-denial, economy, large heartedness and self-reliance. Every member of the family, from the oldest to the youngest, should practice self-denial. Ellen G. White, Child Guidance, pp 132.

From Family Life | Week of Oct. 31, 2025

Parents cannot commit a greater sin than to neglect their God-given responsibilities  in leaving their children with nothing to do; for these children will soon learn to love idleness and grow up to be shiftless, useless men and women. When they become old enough to earn their living and are taken into employment, they will work in a lazy, dull way and will think they will be  paid just the same if they idle away their time, as if they did faithful work. Parents who love their children in a sensible way will not permit them to grow up with lazy habits and ignorant on how to do home duties.
Ellen G. White, Child Guidance, pp 122, 123.

From Family Life | Week of Oct. 24, 2025

Uncleanliness in the home is a great mistake for every form of uncleanliness tends to disease. Nothing unclean or decaying should be tolerated within the home. Show your children that uncleanliness, whether in body or dress, is objectionable to God. Teach them to eat in a clean manner and to hate anything like dirt and filth. Personal Cleanliness is essential to health. Ellen G. White, Child Guidance, pp 106, 107, 108.

From Family Life | Week of Oct. 17, 2025

Parents can and should interest their children in the varied knowledge found in the sacred pages, the Bible. But if they would interest their sons and daughters in the word of God, they must be interested in it themselves. They must be familiar with its teachings and, as God commanded Israel, speak of it "when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou sittest down, and when thou risest up. " 
Ellen G. White, Child Guidance, pp 99.

From Family Life | Week of Oct. 11, 2025

If in their own homes children are allowed to be disrespectful, disobedient and unthankful, their sins lie at the door of their parents. The mother...is to rule her household wisely in dignity of her motherhood. Her influence in the home is to be paramount; her word, law. If she is a Christian, under God's control, she will command the respect of her children. Tell your children exactly what you require of them. Ellen G. White, Child Guidance, pp 98.

From Family Life | Week of Oct. 3, 2025

Children need appreciation, sympathy, and encouragement; but care should be taken not to foster in them a love for praise.Encourage Simplicity in DressParents 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. Child Guidance, Ellen G. White, pp141

From Family Life | Week of Sept. 20, 2025

Let Fathers, mothers, and educators in our schools remember that it is a higher branch of education to teach children  obedience. Children will be happier, far happier under proper discipline than if left to do as their untrained impulses suggest. Prompt and continual Obedience to wise parental rule will promote the happiness of the children themselves as well as the honour of God and the good of society. Child Guidance , Ellen G. White, pp 79.

From Family Life | Week of Sept. 12, 2025