In the Mormon Church it is stressed that children are better taught by precept and example. This point is also confirmed by research. When parents’ words and actions are in harmony they have a greater positive effect on children.
The Lord has said:
” ‘Inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents. . . .
” ‘And they shall also teach their children to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord’ (D&C 68:25, 28).
According to Elder Hales, “Children who are taught to pray and who pray with their parents when young are more likely to pray when they are older. Those who are taught when they are young to love God and believe He lives will more often continue their spiritual development and increase their feelings of love as they mature.” (Robert D. Hales, “How Will Our Children Remember Us?” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 9-10)