When we talk about children, we must begin by talking about the home, where they are influenced at the earliest stages of their development. We know that the first four years of life are extremely formative in a child s life. A child who has difficult and contradictory experiences during those years will often be scarred for life. That is not to say, of course, that the grace of God cannot overcome those wounds. But it is to acknowledge their existence.
Parents are responsible, among other things, for the spiritual welfare of their children.
Now, to be sure, the home must provide food, clothing, shelter, and emotional support. But if the home does not provide a child with spiritual nurture, it fails that child. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.