The chapters of the Book of Mormon in which Alma counsels his sons summarize the heart of the parental syllabus for gospel instruction: We need to use the word of God as a compass for our lives. We need to savor the joy of edifying and uplifting our children as we admonish them to hold to the iron rod. We need to remember that repentance is the indispensable lesson, since it serves as the means for bringing about the effects of the Atonement in our lives.
Parents should love their children even as our Heavenly Father and Savior love us—unconditionally. We are duty-bound to teach and train our children. We have been taught how to correct our children (see D&C 121:41–44). Our greatest joy is in our posterity. Their growth and accomplishments bring us happiness and satisfaction. Recognizing these facts as eternal truths, we are well advised by the prophets of God to be about our work and our glory, keeping the commandments of God, loving and teaching our children the gospel of Jesus Christ, and encouraging them to walk uprightly before the Lord that they might enjoy the blessings of salvation and exaltation.