True Education & Knowledge

True education does not ignore the value of scientific knowledge or literary acquirements; but above information it values power; above power, goodness;above intellectual acquirements, character.

Education, p.225

True Education is...

True education means more than the perusal of a certain course of study. It means more than a preparation for the life that now is. It has to do with the whole being, and with the whole period of existence possible to man. It is the harmonious development of the physical, the mental,and the spiritual powers. It prepares the student for the joy of service in this world and for the higher joy of wider service in the world to come.
Education, page 13

Heaven is a School

Heaven is a school; its field of study, the universe; its teacher, the Infinite One.

Education, p. 301

He Received Them Gladly

As the children gathered the wildflowers growing so abundantly around them, and crowded up to present to Him their little offerings, He received them gladly, smiled upon them, and expressed His joy at seeing so many varieties of flowers.

TheUpward Look, p. 57

Sharing Childish Joys & Sorrows

Christ watched children at their play, and often expressed His approval when they gained an innocent victory over something they were determined to do. He sang to children in sweet and blessed words. They knew that He loved them. He never frowned on them. He shared their childish joys and sorrows. Often He would gather flowers, and after pointing out their beauties to the children, would leave them with them as a gift. He had made the flowers and He delighted to point out their beauties.

Upward Look, p. 57

Children, His Heritage

These children were His heritage. He knew that He had come to ransom them from the enemy by dying on the cross of Calvary. He spoke words to them that ever after they carried in their hearts. They were delighted to think that He appreciated their gifts and spoke so lovingly to them.

Upward Look, p. 57

A Right Direction or a Wrong One

It is during the first years of a child's life that his mind is most susceptible to impressions either good or evil. During these years decided progress is made in either a right direction or a wrong one.

Child Guidance, p. 193

Adopted into His Family

God wants every child of tender age to be His child, to be adopted into His family.

Counsels to Teachers and Parents, p. 169  

Jesus Draws the Children

When Jesus told the disciples not to forbid the children to come to Him, He was speaking to His followers in all ages,--to officers of the church, to ministers, helpers, and all Christians. Jesus is drawing the children, and He bids us, Suffer them to come; as if He would say, They will come if you do not hinder them.

Desire of Ages, p. 517

Choosing a Course of Action

Many neglect their duty during the first years of their children's lives, thinking that when they get older, they will then be very careful to repress wrong and educate them in the right. But the very time for them to do this work is when the children are babes in their arms. It is not right for parents to pet and humor their children; neither is it right for them to abuse them. A firm, decided, straightforward course of action will be productive of the best results.  

Child Guidance, p. 194  

Early Training of Children

Too much importance cannot be placed upon the early training of children. The lessons learned, the habits formed, during the years of infancy and childhood, have more to do with the formation of the character and the direction of the life than have all the instruction and training of the after years.

Ministry of Healing, p. 380

Conversion & Baptism

After faithful labor, if you are satisfied that your children understand the meaning of conversion and baptism, and are truly converted, let them be baptized. But, I repeat, first of all prepare yourselves to act as faithful shepherds in guiding their inexperienced feet in the narrow way of obedience. God must work in the parents that they may give to their children a right example, in love, courtesy, and Christian humility, and in an entire giving up of self to Christ. If you consent to the baptism of your children and then leave them to do as they choose, feeling no special duty to keep their feet in the straight path, you yourselves are responsible if they lose faith and courage and interest in the truth.

Testimonies to the Churches, vol. 6, p. 94

The First Seven Years

Too much importance cannot be placed on the early training of children. The lessons that the child learns during the first seven years of life have more to do with forming his character than all that it learns in future years.

Child Guidance, p. 193

Spiritual Development

Religious instruction should be given to children from their earliest years. It should be given, not in a condemnatory spirit, but in a cheerful, happy spirit. Mothers need to be on the watch constantly, lest temptation shall come to the children in such a form as not to be recognized by them. The parents are to guard their children with wise, pleasant instruction. As the very best friends of these inexperienced ones, they should help them in the work of overcoming, for it means everything to them to be victorious. They should consider that their own dear children who are seeking to do right are younger members of the Lord's family, and they should feel an intense interest in helping them to make straight paths in the King's highway of obedience. With loving interest they should teach them day by day what it means to be children of God and to yield the will in obedience to Him. Teach them that obedience to God involves obedience to their parents. This must be a daily, hourly work. Parents, watch, watch and pray, and make your children your companions.

Testimonies to the Churches, vol. 6, p. 93

More Than Mere Instruction

Education means much more than mere instruction.

Child Guidance, p. 24

Early Training

The early training of the children is a subject that all should carefully study.

Child Guidance, p. 27

Teach the Little Things

Teach them to ask the Lord to help them in little things of life.

Child Guidance, p. 31

Wisdom at Every Step

"More than human wisdom is needed by parents at every step, that they may understand how best to educate their children for a useful, happy life here, and for higher service and greater joy hereafter."

The Review & Herald,
September 13, 1881

Home is a Training School

"Parents, remember that your home is a training school, in which your children are to be prepared for the home above. Deny them anything rather than the education that they should receive in their earliest years. Allow no word of pettishness. Teach your children to be kind and patient."

Ellen White, Child Guidance 
Chapter 17

Home, the First School

"It is in the home that the education of the child is to begin. Here is his first school. Here, with his parents as instructors, he is to learn the lessons that are to guide him throughout life—lessons of respect, obedience, reverence, self-control. The educational influences of the home are a decided power for good or for evil. They are in many respects silent and gradual, but if exerted on the right side, they become a far-reaching power for truth and righteousness."

Ellen White, Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students 

page 107