Guest Post: FHE lesson ideas from Amy Tenney

My kids favorite FHE is when we get out the scripture dress up costumes and act out scripture stories. We made the dress up clothes out of pillowcases and old sheets, and tie ribbons around their waists and heads: We narrate the story as we go along and they say little parts. They are not into sitting down for a formal lesson, but love to act out stories. And then of course the treat. That's really their favorite part.

Another one they really liked was this: Get a bowl of ice cream. White, sweet , delicious. Then say the ice cream is like their life. Let's say your mom asked you to clean your room and you said you did, but you really didn't. (Pour mustard on the ice cream) Let's say you hit your brother (scoop onions on top) Continue on with poor choices you might be facing at home with other toppings like ketchup, salad dressing etc. Then get out a new bowl of ice cream. This time you shared! (pour chocolate sauce) and you obeyed the first time (sprinkles) and you were kind to your neighbor (strawberries). Talk about how our good choices make our life sweet. Have ice cream sundaes for the treat.

Amy

Guest Post: FHE Lesson from Dana Cox

I grew up in a blended family--his, hers, ours, and who knows whose (4 of us are adopted).  There was a lot of bickering and fighting as people adjusted to being all together.  I remember a family home evening lesson my step-mother gave on speaking kindly.  She shared the scripture from Proverbs, 'A soft answer turneth away wrath; but grievous words stir up anger.'  Then she showed us a long piece of fabric that she had made to have a pocket for each member of our family.  There was one extra pocket that held slips of paper and pencils.  We each wrote an 'appreciation note' to every member of the family.  We were supposed to write at least one note each day for some period of time (can't remember how long).   In my memory that was a real turning point for our family.  I'm sure we still bickered and argued, but I have the greatest regard for each of my siblings and I cherish my childhood memories.  I think that is partly because of the blessing it was to me to recognize the good in my siblings and to have them point out good qualities in me.  

Dana