"No matter what you read or hear, no matter what the differences of circumstances you observe in the lives of women about you, it is important for you Latter-day Saint women to understand that the Lord holds motherhood and mothers sacred and in the highest esteem. He has entrusted to his daughters the great responsibility of bearing and nurturing children.

"This is the great, irreplaceable work of women. Life cannot go on if women cease to bear children. Mortal life is a privilege and a necessary step in eternal progression. Mother Eve understood that. You must also understand it. …

"Much is said about the drudgery and the confinement of the woman’s role in the home. In the perspective of the gospel it is not so. There is divinity in each new life. There is challenge in creating the environment in which a child can grow and develop. There is partnership between the man and woman in building a family which can last throughout the eternities" ("Privileges and Responsibilities of Sisters," Ensign, Nov. 1978, pp. 105-6).

Quote 2:

"One striking observation we made while in Holland is that the homes in that tiny land have choice personalities. The window sills in those red brick homes with the red tiled roofs are always filled with rows of flower pots—usually containing geraniums. The windows are large—with never a blind or a screen to cover them. These glistening windows add to the sparkle of the home’s personality. Many of the homes are named. Above the door you might see names such as: Sunny Corner, Sunbeam, Sun Cottage, Peace Haven, Tranquility, or Peaceful Nook. … Warmth and sunshine and pleasantness, together with peace and tranquility and contentment! These are the things which make a house a home" (Daryl V. Hoole, The Art of Homemaking [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1967], pp. 117-18).

Quote 3:

Quotation by Elder Delbert L. Stapley on forming good habits.

"Good habits are not acquired simply by making good resolves, though the thought must precede the action. Good habits are developed in the workshop of our daily lives. It is not in the great moments of test and trial that character is built. That is only when it is displayed. The habits that direct our lives and form our character are fashioned in the often uneventful, commonplace routine of life. They are acquired by practice" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1974, p. 25; or Ensign, Nov. 1974, p. 20).

Case Studies:

Case Study 1

Jane has two younger brothers and a sister, all under four years of age. Meals are frequently late, and the house seems always in disarray. Jane is embarrassed when her friends drop in, and she speaks and acts unkindly toward her mother.

Case Study 2

Susan loves new clothes but has a small allowance, and the household operates on a tight budget. Her limited wardrobe makes her cross and unhappy.

Case Study 3

Anna often leaves the bathroom untidy and unclean. Her sister complains daily of having to clean the dirty bathtub, of picking up Anna’s dirty clothes, and of not being able to find what she needs.

Case Study 4

Sarah is a music student and plays the piano for family home evening. Each week, she willingly coordinates the musical selections with the lesson and practices all the songs in order to play them well.

Case Study 5