Parents: Are You Making a Difference? Survey Says...

In the US, this month was Mother’s Day, and next Month is Father’s Day! We love our parents and thank our Father in Heaven for parents who gave us life.

Often, the journey of motherhood and fatherhood is indescribably joyful. Sometimes, it is gravely difficult. And other times, it even ends in terrible tragedy. Always, the welcoming of a new child into the world should be treated with a most special sacredness.

From pregnancy to birth, from babies to children to adults, every step of a child’s life is a sacred blessing and opportunity for parents.

But still, it may often seem like you’re doing so much without the results you want.

For me, it feels like my 3-year-old can’t even hear my voice when I ask him six times to turn the water off and stop playing in the sink. I know my parents wondered if I would ever follow their example and wake up early in the summer when I was a teenager. And I hear often from Latter-day Saints who are devastated that their children are choosing to walk away from the faith that they raised them in.

It may be easy to for parents to ask: Am I making a difference?

Recently, we shared a survey with all our registered Latter-day Saints for Life. In order to best understand how members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are learning about abortion and how they become pro-life, we asked a series of questions, like: “Do you consider yourself pro-life or pro-choice?” and “Which factors impacted your decision to become pro-life/pro-choice?”

Guess what the top external influence was that helped people become pro-life?

Parents.

71% of Latter-day Saints for Life said that “Parents’ teachings/example” helped them become pro-life—making it the #1 most common external influence for life.

Parents, you matter.

It may be easy to think your teenage daughter isn’t listening to a word you say—but she hears you. It might seem like your college-aged son doesn’t see the ways you selflessly serve your family and community—but he’s watching.

Never give up. Don’t avoid bringing up certain conversations, assuming they won’t care about your opinion. If they don’t hear now, they will remember!

And definitely don’t lay back and assume that teachers at school or at church are going to teach your children about important topics like the sanctity of life. Chances are, someone will teach them about abortion, but you might not agree with what they say about it.

Of course, use prudence, persuasion, and peace in your teaching, and invite the Spirit to understand what to say and when, but never assume that your influence doesn’t matter.

Parents, you brought your children to this world, and you’re still an irreplaceable part of their world.

Moms and dads, thank you. May the Lord bless you.

Want to start the conversation with your children? Here's an easy way to teach your children about the sanctity of life: try out one of our Home Evening Guides this Monday evening! Download them for free!

Free Home Evening Guides