Having strong family relationships can help you weather the challenges of life.
This year marks 20 years since President Gordon B. Hinckley presented “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” The doctrines outlined in this document regarding marriage and family are designed to build and maintain family strength, especially in these latter days, when the family unit is being attacked by social and cultural trends. Because the family is so crucial to our Heavenly Father’s eternal plan, it is our job to strengthen and build family relationships so that individual members feel that they can turn to their families, and not to the world, in these troubled times.
A program on the Mormon Channel gives three ways we can establish strong relationships within our families.
1. Build the family on the teachings of Christ
The Savior taught many principles throughout his life. His teachings can help us strengthen our efforts in “faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.” By incorporating these principles into your family, love and happiness will abound within your home.
2. Communicate effectively
Create an environment where family members feel they can be honest with each other. Avoid yelling and speaking in harsh tones. Communicate with love. These efforts will encourage family members to open up about their ambitions and struggles.
3. Spend time together
A family that plays together stays together. Spending time together as a family will provide opportunities to build lasting friendships and maintain love within the home. For instance, having weekly family home evenings is a great way to spend time together.
As we face the challenges that this life presents, strong family relationships will act as life preservers and assist us toward our ultimate goal: returning to our Father’s presence.
Watch the Mormon Channel’s program on strengthening family relationships.
Source: Mormon Channel
—Bryn Larson, Mormon Insights
Find more insights
Watch or read a talk by Bonnie L. Oscarson, Young Women General President, about defending the Family Proclamation.
Watch a video that provides suggestions on improving communication within the family.
Look through resources and ideas for your FHE activities.
Watch a video about following the Savior’s footsteps.
Photo courtesy of LDS Media Library