In this helpful book, Geri Brinley, motivated by her own search for answers in solving family-based problems, has researched the Book of Mormon for ideas on dealing with the issues that arise while trying hard to raise a righteous family in a world that is increasingly hostile to the idea of family values.

As one chapter title suggests, "We are at war." Drawing lessons from the many anecdotes and lessons in the Book of Mormon, Brinley infers general principles that will help parents keep their children solidly in the path of righteousness.

Indeed, raising a family these days can be a bit dicey. There are so many ways in which children can wander off in undesirable, and sometimes dangerous, directions. Christians have long used advice from the Bible to help guide them in raising families; likewise, stories from the Book of Mormon have been an inspiration to those desiring direction. Brinley has gathered many of these stories, using them to teach sound principles.

Often she begins with a principle, on its face reasonable and needing no further support, and then seeks out support from the Book of Mormon. An example: Principle 8 is titled "Allow Natural and Logical Consequences to Teach." After telling a story about a child who disregarded his parents' counsel about handling money wisely, and a subsequent discussion about whether the child should be given more money after spending all he had, or withholding the extra money in order to teach a sound lesson, the author finds a helpful example in the scriptures. Quoting Helaman 14:29-31, Brinley teaches that there are natural consequences to our actions, a lesson children should learn early on.

I thought her 11th Principle, "Children Need a Sanctuary," was the most relevant to the times we live in today:

Children need to feel loved and valued even when they don't measure up to your expectations. They need to feel connected to parents no matter what else they do. They must have a place where they will always feel safe and loved -- a sanctuary from the world. This principle requires a nurturing, loving leader in the home, a parent who is not afraid to give guidance and direction, but who also has a soft heart and can extend mercy and patience when mistakes are made. (p. 191)

The principles espoused here are practical and attainable, given parents motivated to provide the greatest good for their children. The author discusses the needs of children at some length, urging parents to make every provision for rightly rearing their children.

Brinley's book will be a helpful enrichment for parents, and especially for those on the way to parenthood, providing much good direction for the challenges that await them. Kids need every advantage they can get these days, and loving, caring parents play a big part in meeting this need. Geri Brinley has done a very good job of sifting through the Book of Mormon in search of advice for parents. Her book should be well received by Latter-day Saint families.

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Jeff Needle
March 12, 2006