2020
How Do I Talk to My Kids about the Gospel in Everyday Ways?
December 2020

“How Do I Talk to My Kids about the Gospel in Everyday Ways?” Liahona, December 2020

How Do I Talk to My Kids about the Gospel in Everyday Ways?

As parents, it’s our job to teach our children about the gospel. But a gospel discussion doesn’t have to be formal! Here are some ideas for weaving gospel discussions into daily life.

family walking together

Illustration by Josie Portillo

7 Ways to Start a Conversation

  • Have any of your friends asked about religious things?

  • What have you read in the scriptures lately? Do you have any questions?

  • How are things going with your calling (or other Church assignment)? What would help you?

  • I’ve been thinking about this scripture lately. What are your thoughts about it?

  • Was there anything at church today that you had a question about?

  • Is there anything we’ve read in Come, Follow Me lately that you’re still thinking about?

  • What did you think about those general conference talks we watched?

7 Informal Talking Times

  • While eating together or at bedtime

  • When your child is going through a tough time

  • During a service project or when helping others

  • Before and after Church meetings or activities

  • While telling family stories or talking about ancestors

  • Whenever you notice something that relates to a spiritual message

  • Anytime—if you approach the conversation with openness, love in your heart, and a desire to listen and understand

Thoughts and Tips

  • Teach your child that having questions about the gospel is OK. After all, it was a question that prompted Joseph Smith to pray for help, which led to the First Vision! Help them realize they can still nurture a testimony without all the answers.

  • Point out when you feel the Spirit, whether it’s during home evening, church, or a beautiful sunset. This can help them start to recognize how the Spirit speaks to us. Explain that the Spirit can communicate to us through many different ways, such as warm or light feelings, clear thoughts, a sense of peace, etc.

  • Make gospel messages easily accessible. Your teen might not look up Church magazine articles on their phone, but they might flip through a Liahona that’s sitting on the table. They might not listen to general conference talks in their spare time, but they might catch a few words from a talk you are listening to as you make dinner.

  • Most importantly, keep trying, even if it doesn’t seem to be working! The scriptures are full of stories about children who didn’t listen at first, like Alma the Younger. Trust that one day spiritual truths will sink into their hearts.