Family attacks are rampant in today's world. That is why it is so important today for children and youth to have a testimony of the importance of the family in Heavenly Father's plan (see For the Strength of Youth [2011], 14). On page 52 of this issue, Ann M. Dibb, second counselor in the Young Women general presidency, suggests ways to help youth gain a testimony of the family.
For example, he wrote, "As you read the revelation [about the family], note the doctrines, counsel, warnings, and promised blessings and what they mean to you personally."
Suggestions for Teaching Youth
Read “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” and the section on family in For the Strength of Youth. Discuss how these guidelines can be applied to your own family. Consider sharing your testimony of the importance of family.
Consider holding a family home evening about the importance of family (a good source for “Marriage and Family” in the new youth curriculum at lds.org/youth/learn).
Visit youth.lds.org. Select “For the Strength of Youth” and then “Family” to find materials that will help you better understand the doctrine of the family: scripture references, videos (see, for example, Fathers and Sons). ”), Mormon Channel radio programs, questions and answers, and articles, including the message of the General Authorities.
Suggestions for Teaching Children
Here are some examples of ways you can clearly monitor your family's progress toward achieving spiritual goals:
Get a small, clear jar. With your children, set possible goals that will strengthen your family, such as holding family home evening every Monday or reading the scriptures daily as a family. Have your children make a label with a written goal to stick to the container. Whenever your family can do the activity, put a small object such as a holen or bead in the container. When the container is full, consider celebrating it by holding a special meal or family activity.
Have each child draw a picture of family members doing a activity you would like them to do, such as family prayer or scripture study. Display photos in a place where everyone can see. Start the day facing the pictures. Once your family has completed the activity depicted on the paper, turn it over. The pictures you see or face will remind your family of your goals and what you can do to strengthen your family that day. Resubmit photos at the beginning of each day.
Also help your children see the blessings that come to your family by doing these activities. Helping children sense the good feelings that come from the presence of the Spirit in your home enhances their desire to follow the patterns of good behavior that strengthen families.
Following the counsel in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” will strengthen and protect our family.
