3 Ways to Help Your Family Choose to Stay
By Micah Klug
HomeFaithFamily.com
@homefaithfamily
Children are precious and adorable, and my toddler is no different…until one time when she decided to run through the gym at church on Sunday screaming, “help!”
She wasn’t hurt or in trouble. She was simply being your average toddler, full of more energy than a border collie on a farm.
Attending church with toddlers is one thing, but trying to find the spiritual nourishment you need while balancing your role as their mother is another. It’s not always easy, but it is always worth it.
Here are 3 unique things that have helped our children (5 under 9) and family choose to stay.
1. Adopt Grandparents In Your Ward Family
There are those women who will never stop missing the snuggles of babies, the giggle of toddlers, and the joy that comes with a young family. (Or the men who have a firm hope in the rising generation).
Those are the ones you want to hold onto in your life. President Ezra Taft Benson said, “Grandparents can have a profound influence on their grandchildren…Children then obtain a perspective of life which not only is rewarding but can bring them security, peace, and strength.”
I’m grateful for the many sweet grandparents my children have loved over the years, and for their willingness to love and teach my children. Their friendships, acceptance, and patience has made life so sweet.
2. Remember Who’s Holding You
Sacrament can be hard with such a small, busy family. It’s tempting to let the little ones run around in the gym while we half-listen to the service or sit in the foyer during the meeting.
But if we can remember who’s really holding us, it makes a world of difference in wanting to stay.
Mary Foulger said, “As your arms encircle your little ones, His arms are there, too.”
You are entitled to heaven’s help as you raise your children. The days seem long and often times lonely, but the years march fast and they don’t slow down.
Elder L. Tom Perry once said, “The influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world.”
Just as you’re choosing to bring your children to church every week, you’re also choosing to let heaven assist you. He’s always there to help.
3. Invite Them To Minister
One of the most beautiful things about a toddler is their willingness to share their love and joy with anyone they come in contact with. You can use that love as a way to invite them to minister to those around them.
We often encourage our children to wave to the members of the ward, share their books or quiet toys with another child, or to give a hug to someone who looks like they need one.
One of the most memorable experiences we had was when our 3-year-old son ran to hug an elderly man in the foyer after church. It was so sweet to see him reach out and touch his heart.
Your children ministering doesn’t have to be complicated or difficult. Just let your child be a child and watch them love.
What helps you choose to stay? It may take time and effort to help you find those things that will make all the difference in your life.
And as you include the Lord in your searching, decisions, and adventures in life you will find the heavenly sense of belonging you’re seeking. You’ll be entitled to heaven’s help for yourself and your family.
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