Yesterday we talked about ways that you might unintentionally NOT help your teenager get ready for Seminary. Today, we’re going to look at positive ways to support them in their learning process.
In yesterday’s blog, we discussed the fact that force has no place in the gospel. To truly have their decisions righteous, your teenager needs to make them because he wants to, not because you force them to. So how can you encourage your child without appearing too forceful? Here are just a few suggestions; I am sure that those of you with experience can add a few more.
Encourage your teen to prepare family home evening lessons based on their Seminary class. For instance, this year we will be studying about the Old Testament. Your teen can give a talk on a story or principle that they have learned about in class. They could discuss how the Old Testament supports the other scriptures we have, or things we learn about the Savior from the Old Testament.
Make memorization a family affair. Your teen has 25 scripture mastery cards to memorize this year. Why not work on some (or all) of them as a family? At the very least, if you as parents know them, you can quiz each other. Rather than putting your teen on the spot, why not ask her to check you and correct any errors you make? I read about a game called ‘Stump the Teacher’; why not play ‘Stump the Parent’? Once a week, have your teen cite a chapter and verse, or read the historical setting, doctrinal teaching, missionary application or personal application (the last two are the most difficult!) and you recite the scripture back. If you are right, you get the point; if you are wrong, your teen does. You can even allow for a bonus point by having the teen (or other siblings) recite the scripture correctly. Use a dry erase board, chalkboard, or cork board to keep score and determine an appropriate family prize for the end of the year. If you’ve had Seminary in your youth, the odds are good you are a little rusty. This is also a great way to encourage younger kids to get involved.
Use those Scripture Mastery Verses! When your teen has a talk or a lesson to teach, casually mention a scripture mastery verse that might apply. This encourages your teen to ponder the verse and utilize it more fully. Or you could simply ask your teen if he thinks any of the verses he has learned thus far might apply, and make him think about it.
Support them all the way. If your teen constantly hears complaints – even joking ones – about how a parent or the whole family has to get up earlier, how hard it is to give up sleep, how tough it is for you to drive them, etc. about Seminary, they are apt to feel less encouraged to attend. If, instead, you are enthusiastic and encouraging, they will be more likely to be excited. I can already tell you that my kids will probably hear me envying them the chance to attend, since I graduated high school less than a month after my baptism. And when you feel as though your schedule has once again bent itself out of shape to accommodate your teen, remember it is for a good cause.
These are just a few suggestions on supporting your teen. I’d love to hear a few more from parents who have been through the mill once or twice!
Related Articles:
(How Not) To Prepare For Seminary
Early Morning Seminary: Keeping Up Attendance
Five Tips to Make Seminary Easier