When it comes to the spiritual atmosphere in our home, we can create one that is either conducive to learning, or not. Some of the responsibility for such an atmosphere lies on us as parents; some of it lies on our children. As parents, we have a more direct role than an ordinary teacher in controlling what habits our children learn. When we work to create a learning atmosphere, and take the time to raise our kids in it, then they will also take the steps necessary to maintain that atmosphere.
How We Can Contribute to a Learning Atmosphere
In Alma 1:26, we learn that “the preacher was no better than the hearer.” Although we as adults know more about gospel doctrine than our children, we can also learn a great deal from them. Recognizing this and being humble helps us to prepare spiritually to teach.
We must prepare ourselves spiritually. Teachers have the opportunity to start and end their classes with a prayer. As parents, our entire day is a class. We need to make sure we ask the Holy Ghost to help us take advantage of learning opportunities as they arise, and to make us more sensitive for chances to teach our children. We also need to keep ourselves spiritually on track, particularly when we are trying to teach something specific. If we are upset or angry, we will drive the Spirit away, and our children will not learn.
Similarly, we must love and reach out to each individual. As a parent, we have the capability to recognize the unique talents and strengths of our children, moreso than a Sunday-only teacher (although a good teacher will work to learn these things). We also have the responsibility to love and reach out to them anyway, whether teaching or just plain parenting. We must demonstrate that love even when our children test our patience. As we do so, they will come to trust us, and will be more teachable.
In our homes, we need to encourage respect. When our children ask us questions, gospel-related or otherwise, or when they make comments, we should not tease them for it. Laughing can similarly encourage them to withdraw and not ask other questions. If you would not tease or laugh at a sister in your Sunday School class, then you should not do so with your child.
We must encourage gospel learning in our home. The easiest way to do that is to set the example. If your child sees you frequently studying the scriptures, kneeling in prayer, and preparing for your lessons for church (even when you are not the teacher), then they, too, will love to learn. If instead they hear you complaining about how hard it is to fit scripture study into your schedule, how annoying it is that the teacher asks you to read the lessons beforehand, and how you wish you could just pick it all up by osmosis and be done with it, they will learn to regard gospel learning as a chore and a drudgery. Furthermore, you need to help them see that “the gospel will help them solve their problems, enrich their lives, and increase their happiness.” As you discuss real-world examples and apply gospel principles, their testimonies will grow stronger.
Teaching Your Children to Contribute to a Learning Atmosphere
If you have prepared the way, your children will be more likely to follow your example. Encourage your children not to tease or make fun of their siblings comments. Help them to find ways to demonstrate their love for one another. Encourage them to study the scriptures on their own, as well as with the family. Consider having a ‘preparing for Sunday’ family time, where you each study and prepare for your own lessons; this works especially well with youth, but small children can pick an activity from the Friend that correlates to last week’s lesson.
Have a family home evening on creating a learning atmosphere. Explain that as a family, we need to work together as a team to grow closer to Christ. Ask your children what they can do to help bring the Spirit into your home.
Creating a learning atmosphere in your home takes time and effort. Many of the principles suggested go hand in hand with simple parenting, and with bringing the Spirit into our homes. But there also must be an element of seeking; if you seek out chances to teach your children to apply the gospel to their daily lives, you will find those opportunities en masse. The challenge then is to apply them in such a way that your children are edified and uplifted, rather than simply bored.
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