Each day as parents we make choices that will affect our children for years to come. The way we prioritize our time for family and other activities will directly affect how are children perceive what is truly important. If we are putting the gospel essentials last, it is much more likely that our children will look on the gospel as an afterthought. It is important that you take the time periodically to take stock of where you are and make an corrections that you need to.
You should examine how effective your family home evening lessons and scripture study times are. As I was preparing this week’s lesson, I noticed that one of the instructions in the manual had the parents take extra time to study and pray about the concept. The scriptures that were suggested were not even used in the lesson. Similarly we should be preparing for family scripture study through reading the material beforehand and praying for a greater understanding.
Another thing that you should examine is the other ways that your family spends its time. Are you living up to the standards of the church in your media choices? Are you spending time together as a family communicating and having fun together or is most of your time spent in front of the television? You can encourage your children to have a healthy lifestyle by spending time playing together outside, going on hikes and providing good food. Similarly you can encourage your children to have spiritually healthy lifestyle by modeling the essentials, and being a good example.
As you spend time together, as a family, and work together to have a positive home environment your family will be blessed with a greater peace and love. You will be better equipped to meet difficult challenges and to make proper choices for your family. As you listen to your children’s needs and concerns and talk about them you will create an environment where every voice matters and your children will know that you are acting out of love for them.
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