We create the environment in our homes

Most of the following comes from a parenting class I have been taking.  The last day was today, and in an effort for me to remember what was taught, I am going to be posting some of the ideas I have learned from it.  Just know that most of the material comes from the teacher, not me.  However, I am striving to come up with applications to my family, so some of those are my ideas (actually, most are probably inspired by the teacher).

Just as we cannot force a seed to sprout when planting a garden, we cannot force our children to grow spiritually.  (Does this sound like a certain diabolical plan?)  But we can provide the environment for a seed to sprout and then the seed can be fed and grow into its potential.  We can plant the seed in good soil with rich nutrients for making plant food, making sure that the sunlight can reach it, and provide it with water.  But even in a “perfect” environment, we cannot force the seed to sprout.

The same is true for our childrens’ spiritual environment.  I cannot force my children to feel the Spirit.  For the time being, I can require they go to church and attend family home evening (which they relish doing because they are four and two.)  But someday, that choice will become theirs.  My job now is to provide opportunities for them where they can feel the Spirit and then help them recognize that feeling by telling them, “That’s the Spirit that you feel.”  I can teach them about how important it is to keep the commandments so that one day– hopefully– they will be able to choose for themselves and they can “choose the better part” because of the Spirit they have felt in my home.

How am I striving to create the environment in my home where my children can feel the Spirit?

1.  We hold Family Home Evening every Monday night.  We begin by singing a Primary song, then a prayer, followed by a lesson, an activity, and a treat.  Each family member gets a chance to do all of the assignments.  Sometimes the lesson is better than others and even when it is planned well, that doesn’t always mean that the Spirit is there (because of children getting antsy).  But once again, I am striving to create the environment where the Spirit can attend.

2.  We have family prayer every night.

3.  We read scriptures together every night.

4.  We attend church together every Sunday.

5.  We keep our home clean of bad media.  This isn’t really a temptation for Katie and Rachel being the ages they are, but Scott and I strive to watch, listen, and read things that would add to the Spirit of our home, not take away from it.

We don’t always have stellar Family Home Evenings, spiritual family prayers, nor do we feast on the scriptures every night.  Getting us and the kids ready for church is not always free of frustration.  But we have gotten into the habit of doing these things and now they come easier.

These are things that I would like to work on more in our home:

1.  Playing good uplifting music more often.

2.  Not being so frustrated at the kids when they do kid things (like spill their milk which happens almost daily)  This will increase the feeling of love in our home.

3.   Talk about spiritual things daily and apply them in our family.  Sometimes this happens without planning on my part (something happens during the day where we can talk about what Jesus would want us to do).  But it needs to be a more concerted effort on my part to talk to them daily about the gospel.

4.  Create an atmosphere of service.  There exists a great spirit when we are focused out on others, not inward on ourselves.

Further insight:
Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Environment of our Homes”
Brent L. Topp and Bruce A. Chadwick “Helping Children Develop Feelings of Self-Worth”
Donald L. Staheli, “Striving for Family Unity”