Talk: Daughters of God

Things My Mother Taught Me


My Mother taught me LOGIC…

“If you fall off that swing and break your neck, you can’t go to the store with me.”

My Mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE…

“If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they’re going to freeze that way.”

My Mother taught me TO THINK AHEAD…

“If you don’t pass your spelling test, you’ll never get a good job!”

My Mother taught me ESP…

“Put your sweater on; don’t you think that I know when you are cold?”

My Mother taught me TO MEET A CHALLENGE…

“What were you thinking? Answer me when I talk to you… Don’t talk back to me!”

My Mother taught me HUMOR…

“When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don’t come running to me.”

My Mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT…

“If you don’t eat your vegetables, you’ll never grow up.”

My Mother taught me ABOUT GENETICS…

“You’re just like your father!”

My Mother taught me ABOUT MY ROOTS…

“Do you think you were born in a barn?”

My Mother taught me ABOUT THE WISDOM OF AGE…

“When you get to be my age, you will understand!”

My Mother taught me ABOUT ANTICIPATION…

“Just wait until your father gets home!”

My Mother taught me ABOUT RECEIVING…

“You are going to get it when we get home!”

And my all time favorite thing, JUSTICE…

“One day you will have kids, and I hope that they turn out just like you. Then you’ll see what it’s like.”

Talk by M Russell Ballard from May Ensign 2008 – Daughters of God

While women live in homes under many different circumstances—married, single, widowed, or divorced, some with children and some without—all are beloved of God, and He has a plan for His righteous daughters to receive the highest blessings of eternity.

There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. Many are able to be “full-time moms,” at least during the most formative years of their children’s lives, and many others would like to be. Some may have to work part-or full-time; some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else.

In the words of the proclamation on the family, “Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children”

Story – I had the meanest mother in the world

We have enormous respect and gratitude to you mothers of young children. We want you to be happy and successful in your families and to have the validation and support you need and deserve. So today, let me ask and briefly answer four questions. While my answers may seem extremely simple, if the simple things are being tended to, a mother’s life can be most rewarding.

The first question: What can you do, as a young mother, to reduce the pressure and enjoy your family more?

First, recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction.

Second, don’t over schedule yourselves or your children. We live in a world that is filled with options. If we are not careful, we will find every minute jammed with social events, classes, exercise time, book clubs, scrapbooking, Church callings, music, sports, the Internet, and our favorite TV shows…. Families need unstructured time when relationships can deepen and real parenting can take place. Take time to listen, to laugh, and to play together.

Third, even as you try to cut out the extra commitments, sisters, find some time for yourself to cultivate your gifts and interests. Pick one or two things that you would like to learn or do that will enrich your life, and make time for them.

Fourth, pray, study, and teach the gospel. Pray deeply about your children and about your role as a mother.

The second question: What more can a husband do to support his wife, the mother of their children?

First, show extra appreciation and give more validation for what your wife does every day. Notice things and say thank you—often. Schedule some evenings together, just the two of you.

Second, have a regular time to talk with your wife about each child’s needs and what you can do to help.

Third, give your wife a “day away” now and then. Just take over the household and give your wife a break from her daily responsibilities. Taking over for a while will greatly enhance your appreciation of what your wife does.

Fourth, come home from work and take an active role with your family. Don’t put work, friends, or sports
ahead of listening to, playing with, and teaching your children.

The third question: What can children, even young children, do? Now, you children, please listen to me because there are some simple things you can do to help your mother.

First, you can pick up your toys when you are finished playing with them, and when you get a little older, you can make your bed, help with the dishes, and do other chores—without being asked.

Second, you can say thank you more often when you finish a nice meal, when a story is read to you at bedtime, or when clean clothes are put in your drawers.

Third, most of all, you can put your arms around your mother often and tell her you love her.