Reverence does not come naturally to children – they have to be taught.

My appeal today is to parents, teachers, and leaders to work together to teach, exemplify, and encourage the standards of respect and reverence that will strengthen our children and youth and invite the spirit of worship into our homes and chapels.

if reverence is rooted in love, so is the teaching of it.

self-mastery is not only the root of self-respect, it is essential in inviting the Spirit to teach, confirm, and testify.

We can exemplify reverence as we pray humbly, use the proper language of prayer, and speak the names of Deity appropriately. We can handle the scriptures with respect and teach doctrine from them with conviction.

Teaching our children and youth that it is appropriate to address our leaders as president, bishop, brother, and sister encourages respect and reverence. It also teaches the truth that leaders are called of God and have been given sacred responsibilities.

Often if there is a reverence problem with children or youth, there is a reverence problem in the ward.

Instruction:

• Ask yourself these questions: Am I an example of respect in my home by the way I treat those I love the most? What is my demeanor during a sports event? If my child has a disagreement with a teacher, coach, or peer, do I listen to both sides of the issue? Do I show respect for the property of others as well as take care of my own? How do I respond to others with whom I disagree in matters of religion, lifestyle, or politics?
• We can exemplify reverence as we pray humbly, use the proper language of prayer, and speak the names of Deity appropriately.
• We can handle the scriptures with respect and teach doctrine from them with conviction.
• Teach our children and youth that it is appropriate to address our leaders as president, bishop, brother, and sister
• do our socializing in the foyer
• take a crying child out of the chapel and find another room where we continue to listen to the meeting until the baby is calmed or a disruptive toddler is soothed
• turn off cell phones and BlackBerry devices
• Prepare not only the material, but prepare yourself to teach with the Spirit.