Is there any member of the Church who missed the admonition of the leading Brethren in the recent April general conference that no matter how well we think we are doing with our families, we can do better — even much better?

A minimum of 10 of the 32 speakers addressed the issue of family, while multiple others referenced families and drew lessons for better parenting.

After such a wealth of information and encouragement, no parent should be resting comfortably about his or her parenting skills. We have our marching orders.

The Brethren's counsel was replete with understanding and insight. We are to mull over, ponder, digest and make this counsel a part of our lives.

In brief, they said parents are teachers. And the best setting to teach is in the home.

One verse in Alma's writings summarizes much of what the Brethren taught:

"And now, my son, I have somewhat to say concerning the restoration of which has been spoken; for behold, some have wrested the scriptures, and have gone far astray because of this thing. And I perceive that thy mind has been worried also concerning this thing. But behold, I will explain it unto thee" (Alma 41:1).

From his words, it's easy to decipher that Alma is thinking a great deal about his son Corianton. He's watching him with a loving eye, wondering how he might strengthen his son's testimony.

Corianton and his other sons occupy a part of Alma's thoughts. Alma has prayed over him. He has spoken with him, perhaps over a meal or walking together, asking open-ended questions that allowed Corianton to express his fears and hopes and joys. Because Alma showed interest in his son, their relationship drew close.

With spiritual discernment and personal observation, Alma "perceives" the impediment to his son's growth.

Realizing that an interview by a caring father carries more influence than the equivalent of a bishop's interview in our day, Alma creates a setting, perhaps in their home, where they can be together without interruption.

He carves time out of his demanding schedule as the presiding high priest over the Church and, bringing to bear his intense love and knowledge of the gospel, he teaches the Plan of Salvation in terms that his son understands.

Perhaps as parents we forget how powerful the doctrine of the Plan of Salvation is in rearing children and sometimes stray into less meaningful paths of conversation.

Of note, Alma is a great teacher because he was first a great student of the gospel. He knew how to teach because he knew how to learn. He recognized the problem. The scriptures were "wrested," having been distorted or had the meaning changed.

Alma's efforts as a father took daily determination and diligence. As a result, Corianton changed. He experienced what every youth must experience. The fire of testimony went into his soul in a deeply personal way. He was changed by a profound new knowledge of who he was and who Heavenly Father wanted him to become.

Knowing this, the question for each of us now becomes: How do we help our posterity learn what we know?

The Lord was the Master at creating settings where He could teach the gospel during His ministry. Likewise, His Church promotes a setting where parents can look their children in their eyes and tell them that they love them, and that Heavenly Father loves them.

In family home evening, parents have the opportunity to share their testimonies with their children, using personal experiences and memories of the family to galvanize their witness.

The home is the greatest place for parents to show love to their children. It's the greatest place to teach children of their dynamic personalities.

In the process, relationships are steeled and the child's sense of worth and confidence grow.

The call is to build a bond of friendship and faith that will allow parents and children to strengthen each other and stay on the gospel path together.

The topic of better parenting by better teaching is certainly not new, nor is this the first general conference in which families were emphasized.

But changes in society are afoot. If our youth do not obtain their own light of testimony, we stand to lose our families.

The Brethren are leading with that brilliance and fortitude that come of inspiration. Now it is up to us to follow at the same pace and with the same intensity.