I saw that there should always be a fixed principle with Christian parents to be united in the government of their children. There is a fault in this respect with some parents—a lack of union. The fault is sometimes with the father, but oftener with the mother. The fond mother pets and indulges her children. The father’s labor calls him from home often, and from the society of his children. The mother’s influence tells. Her example does much toward forming the character of the children. {1T 156.2}

Jeg så, at enighed om børnenes opdragelse altid bør være et fast princip hos kristne forældre. I denne henseende er der en fejl hos nogle forældre, en mangel på enighed. Fejlen ligger undertiden hos faderen, men oftere hos moderen. Den kærlige moder forkæler sine børn og føjer dem. Faderens arbejde kalder ham ofte bort fra hjemmet og fra omgangen med sine børn. Moderens indflydelse vejer. Hendes eksempel bidrager meget til at danne børnenes karakter.