Although parenting is one of the most important things in the society, many parents are doing a poor job at raising their children. In talking about creating successful homes, Elder James E. Faust mentioned a few ways that parents may achieve this, parents must set the example, disciplining children, teaching children to work, helping children internalize values, and a most important one, a thousand threads of love.
Based on the mentioned ways to achieve a successful home, it is not difficult for one to see the lack of most these ways in today's society. I like the mentioning of work as a main way to create a successful home. I can personally attest to the importance of it. Growing up I didn't do a lot of work around the house, my mother would ask me help her cook sometimes, but that was usually only around the holydays. Also, in Romania teenagers don't have jobs, so I didn't start working until I moved to the U.S. when I was 18. I started to experience more independence as I had a job, but even more importantly it gave the confidence and trust that I could accomplish things on my own.
The parental example is the most important tool in teaching children. I doubt that most parents understand this great responsibility. In the reading, it was mentioned the importance of not being hypocritical when it comes to teaching children, because they can see through it and it would only turn them off towards applying the rule in their own life. Through obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ we can easily avoid this. Just as Christ has never taught anything he hasn't lived, we can follow the example.
One of my personal theories that aids in creating a successful home is the attitude parents have toward their children. Many parents have their own set of baggage and agenda, and not being completely satisfied with themselves and who they've become, they take it upon their children. Too many parents are abusing their authority and even stewardship in demanding their children's obedience more for the sake of exercising poser over them, than out of true concern for their welfare. Many times adults underestimate the power and mental capacity children have, even in their early stages of life. Respecting them from early on would build their self-esteem and strengthen their desire to do what's right. Even in later stages of development parents may cross boundaries. I think in order to overcome this challenge parents must learn how to let their children be their own individuals, even if it means they will make mistakes along the way. I consider this capacity of allowing children be and develop as they need one of the greatest acts of love. It takes complete altruism as well as exercising faith in the Lord.
Applying the above-mentioned concept to our relationship with God, the way He expresses His love is by letting us become whom we choose to become. Ironically enough many today go as far as to stop believing in a higher power claiming that have we had a creator/father in heaven, none of the harmful things would happen to the good people in the world.
Just having a child does not qualify one as a good parent. Living the gospel fully will allow one to be a better parent.
