The family is a very important part of our church. Each family is essential in the plan of salvation. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” states:
“Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. ‘Children are an heritage of the Lord’ (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.”
This is a very powerful statement. You are responsible for your children’s needs. This can be an overwhelming thought and process. We need to provide a positive home environment for our children, as well as make sure that we are teaching the things necessary so that they grow up in the gospel. One way to help you do this more effectively is to have weekly planning meetings with your spouse.
These planning meetings are designed so that you sit down and discuss the needs of your family and children. This should not happen on date night. Date night should be a time to build your relationship and not a time to discuss disciplining the children. These meetings do not need to be very long to be effective. Beginning and ending with a prayer will help to increase the effectiveness of these meetings.
An easy time to have these meetings would be on Sunday. During this meeting you can discuss issues that need to be discussed during family council, plan topics for family home evening, and plan out the week around your children’s activities. You can also plan time to spend with each child. It is also important to discuss any concerns you are having for each individual child.
These meetings will help you to have a unified front with your children. It will help you to step back and see what each child needs each week. It can also help you to become more of a team as you strive to fulfill the awesome responsibilities that each parent shoulders.
In addition to talking about your children, you may want to talk about financial plans. You can set goals as a couple and talk about your progress each week as well. You may take the time to study the scriptures together during these meetings as well.
Related Articles:
Five Topics to Cover in Your Family Council
Let Your Children Teach Family Home Evening
Strengthen Your Marriage by Studying the Gospel Together
Gospel Centered Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage