How does one teach a child that serving matters and that it can change their life and the lives of others? We do it by leading them gently to it. Here’s a delightful approach that your children may want to try time after time after time. How ‘bout some FHE Fun?
Opening Hymn: #92 The Hearts of the Children (Children’s Songbook)
Opening Prayer: By invitation.
Emergency Preparedness Moment: With weather, health, and economic crises surrounding families, what brief emergency skill would you like to share with your family today? You never know: it could save your life! Here is one idea: Hands-Only CPR.
Happy Moments Time: This can be quick, but fun. Who has a happy moment from the week to share? A triumph? A success, no matter how small? Take just a few seconds to celebrate, and the memories you create will be long-lasting! Everyone likes to hear “job well-done.”
What’s Your Favorite Scripture? What scripture hit home the most during private scripture study from this past week? Even the smallest of tykes—if consistently looking at even little Bible stories—can have uplifting words to share. It need not take more than a few minutes, but sometimes these discussions can have the greatest impact during Family Home Evening.
Activity: Here’s a fun activity to try, but in truth, you might have a different one. It’s not so much the activity, as it is the laughter and safety children feel during family hour each week! All things testify of Christ and these tiny moments of action during FHE can yield benefits all week long.
Item Needed:
- Measuring tape
Suggested Application: Hold up the measuring tape. Ask for a volunteer to come forward. Measure their arm. Then measure their other arm. Measure their height. Then measure the length of their feet. Then say, “Wait. I was going to measure your heart. How can I do that?”
Enjoy the responses. Then let your children know there is another way to measure a heart: by its goodness. For example, think of President Monson’s heart. What size might it be? How would we measure the Savior’s heart? Let them know that the size of a heart—or of its goodness—can be measured by service.
Read Matthew 25:40 “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have adone it unto one of the bleast of these my cbrethren, ye have done it unto me.”
Discussion: Teach that goodness is expandable. We might currently feel we have a heart the size of the Grinch (who wanted to steal Christmas in the children’s story). But even the Grinch’s heart grew more than two sizes bigger. Why? And how do we ‘grow’ our own hearts? Enjoy the ensuing discussion and goals set by the children. Let the Spirit guide the moment.
Close by sharing your love for your children and any spontaneous testimony you feel impressed to express.
Closing Hymn: #291 Turn Your Hearts
Closing Prayer: By invitation.
Refreshments: While refreshments aren’t necessary at the end of each Family Home Evening, they do provide a time for the family to “let their hair down” and enjoy each other’s company. Here is a fun craft to make (either in advance or at the end of FHE) for Hot Chocolate drinks. If you do choose to enjoy this container, you could speak how each act of service warms another person’s heart and helps encourage them to do the same! Truly, this family hour spent each week together is the best!
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Struggling with your teens? C.S. Bezas’ book is an essential help for parents and youth leaders. Powerful Tips for Powerful Teachers teaches you how to create long-lasting change. Visit your local LDS bookstore or get your copy online here.
