Day: June 3, 2007

Today I was in a church meeting where the speaker was talking about how to strengthen families. I believe that strong families are the best preventative for many of societies ills such as drug abuse and violence. The speaker gave six principles which if followed will strengthen families. I know that not everyone who reads this blog shares my belief system, but perhaps some of it may be useful to you. I know that thinking about these things was helpful to me. At different times I’ve done each of these things with my family and when we are doing them we have more peace in our home and more happiness as a family.
Six things that will strengthen families:

Family Prayer: Taking time to gather together to express gratitude for the many things we have given and to ask for help with our problems. This shared petition connects the family members with each other as well as with God.

Family Scripture Study: This provides a place for parents to discuss beliefs and values with children. It also provides a time for everyone to remember that we are all trying to become our best selves. Most importantly, it provides a quiet space where the spirit of inspiration can provide the family with direction.

Family Home Evening: This is one night each week when all distractions are set aside and the family does something together. Sometimes it is a game, sometimes it is a discussion of a family problem, sometimes it is a religious lesson. The primary purpose is to build a group identity and shared memories.

Attend Church as a Family: This has many of the same purposes as scripture study. I know that my attendance at church has made me a better person. Each week it reminds me of the person I am striving to become and gives me renewed energy to keep trying to be better. I’ve seen the same effect on my kids.

Eat at least 1 meal together daily: Interestingly the speaker focused on this one as the most important of all. He said that discussions with a parent do more to help kids make good decisions than anything else. It is in casual conversations that parents can do much to pass on values and beliefs. But we have to make a space for those discussions to come into being. Our most likely meal together is breakfast, but sometimes dinner happens as well. The key point is to have a time where you and your kids are together with nothing to do but to talk.

Pay tithes and offerings: Making kids part of charitable giving helps them see their role in the larger community. I have been given much, I should pass it on. Not only that, but I should allow my children to see me giving so that they can learn to give as well.