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

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

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

Early Education Begins at Home

It is in the home that the education of the child is to begin.

Child Guidance, p. 17

Early Training

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

Child Guidance, p. 27

Influencing a Child's Character

"Nothing is considered small which has to do with influencing a child's developing character. Character building certainly begins at home. It is nourished and applied there. . .It is in early years that the beauty of honesty, courage, and fair dealing with each other is best received."

Thelma Beem, The Dignity of a Child
page 15

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, 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