Family Rituals
Objective: How can we make time for intentional family rituals and traditions? It is through the seemingly small, simple acts that are done together in a family that can create some of the fondest memories and opportunities for bonding. As I think back on the fondest memories of my own childhood, it all came down to being with each other and spending intentional, positive time together. There were the fun family vacations, yes; but simple family game nights and family trampoline time were just as memorable. As a simple beat of the heart can keep our body alive, the small, consistent, simple acts done together as a family keep the family relationships alive. This is when a family isn't just individuals living together anymore, but something so much more.
Opening Song: Children's Songbook #192 "Home"
Closing Song: Music from the Friend "The Family is of God"
Younger Children:
- Think of a new family ritual to do with your children. Such as a daily/weekly walk, scripture story time, coloring time or other art projects, etc. The whole family should participate in this activity together. If your children are old enough, give them choices of what they would like to do. Choose what will be a good activity to do with your children.
- Whatever you choose, do that activity for the first time as your family home evening. Then explain to your children how "we get to do [activity] together as a family every [day/week/etc]." Help your children understand that family time is special and enjoyable.
Older Children:
- Discuss current and/or favorite family traditions/rituals. Evaluate family time in your current family circumstances. Are there any changes that need to be made, or could be made to facilitate more intentional family time?
- Pick quote from the additional resources section below. Have the children read and discuss together as a family. Then council together as a family on a new ritual to incorporate into your daily/weekly life.
Additional Resources:
I love both of these resources and recommend reading them before doing any lesson. As you read, there might be something that stands out to you that can help inspire you to know how you can improve your family relationships.
Useful Tips for All Lessons:
- I love to use the Sing-Along app on my ipad/phone. It contains all the church Hymns and Children's songs in sing-along format with words and a moving ball for the timing. There are pictures that go along with each song, or you can customize the songs with your own pictures. It's a wonderful, easy app that I LOVE! Another benefit is the ability to make a Playlist in the app. I will quickly make a Playlist of particular songs I am using for a lesson so I don’t have to waste time searching for them during the lesson. It’s great!
- I also frequently use the Sacred Music App on my devices. It’s nice to have the choice of sheet music, words, or both for each song. I also use the Playlist feature to make songs easily accessible during lessons, as mentioned for the app above.
- Last, but definitely not least, is the Media App. I use this when I am searching for a particular picture or video to help emphasize my lesson topic. Probably my favorite feature of this app is the ability to edit videos. So if I just want to use part of a talk given by a General Authority, then I can cut out the rest and have the succinct clip I need for my lesson. It really is the best! I also like the ability to put together “Presentations” in the “My Media” section of the app. I can save any media I want to use for a particular lesson and it’s all right there ready for me during the lesson.
