When I was little my favorite day in the week was always Monday. I have so many wonderful memories of fun family lessons about Jesus, prayer, and being nice. My dad loved using those felt stories to tell us stories from the Bible and Book of Mormon. And don't even get me started on those projector film strip stories.
We had spotlights where a different one of us were chosen each week. Everyone had to give a compliment to the person being spot-lighted... and believe me, when you grow up with 10 kids, being complimented by all your siblings is a HUGE deal. And when it was my turn to be spotlighted I felt like the most important and loved person on earth.
Sometimes we had talent shows where one of us got to show off a new talent. I remember my big brother once playing the recorder. He played a song he learned from school that week. I was so jealous because I wished I could play too.
And then there was the Family Night Treat. My mom made the best desserts. Mostly they were pudding treats in those special fancy Tupperware dishes from the 70's - always with whipped cream on the top. I have the best memories of layered Jell-O in rainbow colors, and puddings of every flavor. Banana pudding was always my favorite!
Man, I loved those evenings with my family. It was the most special night of the week. And I looked forward to it every week.
Fast Forward 30 years later...
Well, Family Night's must be super important because we are still counseled by our church leaders and our dear prophet, Thomas S. Monson, have them.
My husband and I haven't been perfect at it, but we have tried to do Family Night's since we've started having kids 16 years ago. All the kids look forward to then just like I did when I was little. And of course I have to add in the spotlights and the "share your talent" time.
Here is some of what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has to say about these special, special nights:
Family Home Evening
A Heaven-Inspired Program
A Heaven-Inspired Program
The Responsibility of Parents
In the home, parents and children learn together to apply the gospel’s teachings to their lives. You teach your children all day, every day, whether you realize it or not. They pick up your habits, your prejudices, and your values from what you do as well as from what you say. The Lord has called you to be a parent, and he knows you can do it. You are part of his plan for his children.
Don’t expect perfection from your children or from yourself all at once. Strive with your children to improve your lives little by little, step by step, line upon line each day.
What makes family home evening successful?
1. Start and end with prayer. This invites the Spirit, increases love, and teaches your family how to pray.
2. Learn from the scriptures and the words of latter-day prophets to help your family live the gospel.
3. Add music, such as hymns and Primary songs, to create an atmosphere of love, peace, and joy.
4. Make it fun by playing games, acting out scripture stories, and making treats. Keep the atmosphere light and loving
5. Be consistent. Monday nights are set aside by the Church for family home evening. If that doesn’t work, find a night that does.
6. Add variety. Help a neighbor in need, hold a lesson at the park, or go for a walk as a family.
"We cannot afford to neglect this heaven-inspired program. It can bring spiritual growth to each member of the family, helping him or her to withstand the temptations which are everywhere. The lessons learned in the home are those that last the longest.”
-Thomas S. Monson
Families are meant to be together Forever!
