The following is excerpted from Third Hour. To read the full article, CLICK HERE.

Let’s face it—we have all kinds of conversations with our children throughout the course of the day but sometimes it can still be awkward bringing up deeper gospel topics if it’s not something we are accustomed to doing. However, in a world where messages of all kinds (oftentimes contrary to our beliefs) are being conveyed to our families via various forms of media, it is even more important to have frequent discussions about gospel truths with our kids. Here are a few tips for parents needing guidance on how to successfully navigate gospel topics:

1. Spontaneity

Sometimes we feel like in order to discuss something really serious, we have to set aside a special time, put on our Sunday clothes, and sit stiffly in a job-interview type format. This couldn’t be further from the truth, especially when dealing with our children. Most of the time, a message is best received when our guard is down and we feel comfortable. This means you might jump into a conversation about temple marriage or how far away Kolob is while you are on a road trip, on the back porch looking at the sunset, or over a late-night bowl of ice cream. Elder Tad Callister mentions, “I remember the gospel questions and discussions at the dinner table.” So don’t underestimate the power of spontaneity—the Spirit will follow you right into the impromptu discussion and help the message penetrate your child’s heart.

2. Let Them Have Doubts

Doubts (and questions) can be a means strengthening faith, not diminishing it. Terryl Givens says, “Doubt, for us, leads to the capacity to ask genuine questions, and a genuine question is a question born out of sincerity and a yearning to know” (How Doubt Can Actually Strengthen Your Faith).

In a nutshell, don’t shut down your child’s desire to express their doubts. Brushing aside questions is, in fact, one way to prevent your child from feeling safe enough to make more inquiries. And since adolescence is such a crucial time for them to develop a testimony, it is even more important for you to treat their questions with care.

To read the full article, CLICK HERE.