When Elder Larry R. Lawrence said, “Your bright and energetic youth are the future of the Church, and for that reason they are a prime target of the adversary,” he issued a clarion call to all parents. In essence, he taught us that we do today with our children matters.
Ever wanted to feel important? You’ve got it. What you do matters! Urgently so. Your children need you and your perspective—even on the hard days when it’s tough to say “no” to the slumber party or the new iPod or whatever creative demand comes from your child.
Elder M. Russell Ballard shared in the April 2005 General Conference that missionaries had been asked what could have helped them prepare better for their missions. Here is what he said:
“Above all else they wished they had:
• Learned the doctrine better through focused scripture study.
• Learned how to study and to pray sincerely.
• Been more disciplined and worked harder.
• Understood better what is expected.
• Had more teaching opportunities.
• And had more searching interviews by bishops and parents” (M. Russell Ballard, “One More,” Ensign, May 2005, 69).
Did you know that weekly laughter, love, and harmony increase your child’s ability to stand strong against temptation? Can you imagine the value of Family Home Evening in this regard? Can you picture that one of your most potent times as a parent can come during this urgent family time? Did you know that when your children are secure in feeling you adore and love them, they are more secure in saying no to unwanted advances on a date, to temptations at school, or even with friends on a street corner?
When the prophets advise us to have Family Home Evening, it is not to give us another checklist item. Family Home Evening is where we fashion the armor of faith for our children: sized, fitted, and hand-perfected for each of our kids (even the ones that currently drive us nuts)!
When we find love (and kids spell that word “t-i-m-e”) in our hearts for our children, we are more easily swayed by the Spirit towards inspired parenting, rather than reactionary parenting. And the fun times we can have during weekly FHE go a long way towards building that kind of love.
FHE does not need to be a drone-of-an-experience. There are all kinds of creative ways to have fun and to feel the Spirit together. Soon enough, everyone can be looking forward to this simple time at home. And yes, powerful moments will occur when the Spirit is present. This makes this weekly hour a yummy time that creates lifelong memories.
Try it this week! FHE can be delightful when we seek the Spirit for guidance. As you custom-make lessons for your children’s ever-changing needs, you may find yourself longing and looking forward to the cozy minutes together we all call “Family Home Evening.” For truly when a family is home in the evening together in love, there is beauty indeed all around (to quote Hymn #294, Love at Home).
With consistent FHEs, your children not only will be better prepared for possible future missions (as mentioned by Elder Ballard above), but they will be strengthened in courage for this ever-darkening world (see Joshua 1:9). Not bad for just a few moments each week on Monday nights, in addition to prayer and scripture study!
A FEW GUIDELINES.
Here are a few guidelines to help your FHEs be successful. This is a simple structure and can help smooth out otherwise “bumpy” ones. These guidelines can be found at “Family Home Evening,” LDS.org:
- Church leaders have instructed members to set aside Monday night as “family home evening.”
- This is a time for families to:
o study the gospel together and to do other activities
o that strengthen the family spiritually,
o create family memories, and
o increase unity and love.”
Talking of memories, one day when your children are old-and-speaking-at-your-funeral, can you imagine the delight they will share of their happy moments when they gathered each week with you during FHE!
ADDITIONAL RESOURCE:
Elder David A. Bednar’s talk, “More Diligent and Concerned at Home,” October 2009 General Conference
Elder Larry R. Lawrence’s talk, “Courageous Parenting,” October 2010 General Conference
