Keep Your Word With Your Children

What did you promise your little girl if she would do so and so? Did you promise her a present for well doing? “Yes.” Have you recollected it? “No, it has gone from my mind,” says the mother. If she does ill have you promised her a chastisement? “Yes.” Did you keep your word? You have not, and the child forms the conclusion in its own mind directly that the mother tells that which is not true—she says she will do this or that, and she does not do it. It is an easy lesson for mothers to learn to pass their time with their children and never give them a false impression. Think before you speak. … If you wish to make them presents, do so; if you promise a chastisement, keep your word, but be cautious! (DBY, 210).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 170–76