Suggestions for Strengthening Families

My friend, LuWenn, had this list posted on her website. It is a little daunting, but I thought it was a good reminder, and self-check list to see how I'm doing with my family. I have a very LONG ways to go with these things, so I'm posting them here to remind myself of what my priorities should be. LuWenn said that she got this list from her Area Authority at their last Stake Conference. It was given to him and other General Authorities at a training by one of the Twelve Apostles. Anyway, we always need a list to work on, so here is not just any list but THE LIST of all lists!

The following instructions appear at the top of the list:

Remember that Satan’s focus is everything associated with Family.

Understand and implement each principle on the list before using an exception as an excuse.

Do not be overwhelmed, but be persistent and consistent.

Understand the principle “that by small means the Lord can bring about great things.”

So here’s “the list.”

1. Assist sons to earn the “Eagle Scout” and “Duty to God” awards and daughters to earn the “Young Womanhood” award.

2. Eat at least one meal together every day as a family.

3. Kneel together in family prayer night and morning.

4. Teach children the importance of graduating from Seminary and Institute.

5. Help children save for missions and for post high school education.

6. Review frequently and practice consistently the principles taught in The Family.

7. Teach children the principles of thrift and how to avoid unnecessary debt.

8. Attend church as a family and sit together near the front of the chapel.

9. Hold meaningful family home evenings every Monday.

10. Teach children the “Plan of Salvation” with emphasis on the essential nature of “Saving Ordinances.”

11. Hold husband/wife planning sessions weekly to discuss relationship needs, individual children’s needs, and family finances.

12. Arrange schedules so that one parent can spend dedicated time with one child each week.

13. Don’t give children an allowance. Rather, provide them with worthwhile work opportunities, pay them for jobs well done and teach them how to budget their earnings.

14. Search the scriptures daily, both personally and as a family.

15. Hang a picture of the temple in a prominent place in your home. Attend the temple often and express your feelings about the temple to your children.

16. Fill your home with worthy literature and worthy music.

17. Strictly monitor the use of television and Internet for yourselves and your children.

18. Arrive at church 10 minutes early so that you can pause and meditate.

19. Obtain, study, and reflect on patriarchal blessings regularly.

20. Teach children that their individual worth comes from who they are–not from what they have or what they don’t have.

21. Correct children in a firm and timely manner. Focus on the unnacceptable behavior without demeaning the child.

22. Establish your home as a place of peace, security, understanding, quiet communications, and love.

23. Lead out in “giving heed to all the words of the prophet.”

24. Be prepared for temporal emergencies by implementing the guidelines found in the “All is Safely Gathered In” booklets.

25. Teach children to enjoy hard work.

A pretty exhaustive list!! Just thought I'd share!