Many women of Latin American descent gathered Thursday during the first Spanish session of Women's Conference to learn about teaching children the importance of being virtuous and chaste.

First to speak was former member of the Relief Society General Board Lilian DeLong, followed by Debora Ruano Fletcher, who is currently serving as a Young Women's president in her ward.

Delong's talk focused on our bodies as temples. She recalled that as child she admired the grand beauty of the temple.

"Our bodies, in general, reflect our spirit within," Delong said. "We know that no impure thing can enter into the temple ... We should treat our bodies in the same manner."

DeLong continued by asking, "How can we teach our children the importance of being virtuous and chaste?" She mentioned two fundamental things that parents can specifically do. First, women can be an example in the areas of dress, music, movies and the Internet. Second, women can teach children through the words they use. DeLong enforced this idea by mentioning how actions play a bigger role in children's lives than words.

DeLong said that parents need to be knowledgeable and vigilant in what is occurring in their childrens' lives. They also need to be aware of how they are encouraging their children.

She closed by cautioning parents to teach their children the sacredness of the power of procreation.

"If we do not teach our children, the world will," Delong said.

Fletcher focused her talk on a mother's role in regards to the law of chastity. Mentioning that she was mother of twelve, ten of which were boys, she knew how it important it was to teach the law of chastity.

Fletcher said parents have to teach their children important principles, to follow the spirit and to provide a clean atmosphere in the home.

Fletcher continued by saying that parents should not over-plan their lives as well as their childrens'. She recalled that her son once said, "Mom you are so busy. Have you read your scriptures today?" She reminded parents how the Lord must be the center of the home.

Fletcher closed by saying "It is a parent's job to help kids remember Christ, but we must do this with love and patience. Not by force."

Copyright Brigham Young University 2 May 2008