3 Nephi 1:22

And it came to pass that from this time forth there began to be lyings sent forth among the people, by Satan, to harden their hearts, to the intent that they might not believe in those signs and wonders which they had seen; but notwithstanding these lyings and deceivings the more part of the people did believe, and were converted unto the Lord.

The sign of a night without darkness at the Savior's birth was dramatic enough to get people's attention so they would listen to the message of the gospel and the Messiah. Many were converted, or at least they joined the church. But conversion cannot be dependent on a sign. Just a few years later, this skin-deep conversion would slip away for many, and the people for the most part would return to apostasy. There are many ways to plant the seed of faith in people's hearts, but the seed must be nurtured and carefully cultivated, or it will not bear fruit.

Enos 1:1

Behold, it came to pass that I, Enos, knowing my father that he was a just man—for he taught me in his language, and also in the nurture and admonition of the Lord—and blessed be the name of my God for it.

To bring up children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord is to teach them that God will both nurture and encourage them. To nurture is to further the development of someone, to provide nourishment for growth. An admonition is a warning about behavior. So we are to nourish our children's faith in Christ and warn them when they exhibit behavior that will lead them away from faith.

“Treat your children as sons and daughters of God. Be kind. Love them. Respect them. Counsel with them. Teach them. Pray for them. Guide them and God will bless both them and you” (in Church News, 1 Nov. 1997, 2).