My husband did a great family home evening this week with our kids. It was simple, and short, with a little activity that they enjoyed.
He first began by sharing the golden rule scripture. It can be found in multiple books of the bible, but we used the one in Matthew 7:12.
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”
We talked about what the golden rule meant. Then my husband asked them if they thought Heavenly Father knew what they needed. They both said yes. We asked if they thought he knew everything. They both nodded. He also explained to them that as their parents, we also know what they need and how to help them. Then we played a little game.
He had a few items set out on the table and our 5 and 3 year old took turns finding the right item to match the question. For example, He said, “What would you give the baby if he was cold?” And, there was a blanket on the table. They got to run over to the table, grab the blanket and cover the baby. “What would you get if your brother was sick?” (bottle of medicine) “What about if he got hurt?” (band-aid), etc. The kids had fun with this object lesson and were able to make the connection that we all have needs, and other people can help us with those needs.
He also spoke about prayer and how Heavenly Father knows our needs and wants to give us what we ask for. We have been working a lot on what type of things to ask for when we pray. The kids understood that all they had to do was ask.
All in all, it was a great family home evening. It brought be back to the quote I shared the other day about teaching children. “Tell Me, I’ll forget. Show Me, I’ll remember. Involve Me, I’ll understand.”
Other ideas for FHE with Small Children:
Setting Goals
Testimonies
Hidden Treasure