Sunday, March 27, 2011

How we do General Conference

We've tried several approaches to General Conference with our kids, some more successful than others, but last year worked really well. So if you're looking for something new, maybe this could work at your house, too.

We stream conference on the computer (we're freaks without TV service) and play radio/iPod streams throughout the house. The kids are free to play inside or out during all four sessions, but when one of the Apostles or First Presidency speaks, they have to come in and listen. The boys take notes/draw pictures using this very basic packet from the church website. We've not yet begun to worry about the girls' souls.

The advantages:

The kids learn that all four sessions of conference are equally important. We don't want them to think the Saturday or Sunday afternoon sessions are optional.

They only have to focus for 10-20 minutes at a time, then they get a break. At their ages, we feel that's a reasonable expectation. With 15 speakers at an average of 10 minutes each, they're getting plenty of exposure, yet it doesn't feel like a never-ending meeting.

Mom and Dad get to enjoy some portions of conference without kids pestering us or feeling guilty like we should be making them listen as well.

Works for us! I'd love to hear suggestions from others, too.

3 comments:

The Florist said...

What?! Saturday isn't optional? Why'd you have to go and burst that bubble.

Love your plan of attack. You Utah Mormons have all the best ideas. Yet another time in my life, I'll be copying your brilliance.

Deborah A. said...

My favorite is the part about using the church resources. You mean you don't need to go to a supplemental blog? You mean you don't need to make it yourself in a RS meeting? You mean you just use the church materials? BRILLIANT!

Heidi said...

Kristen I LOVE your idea! I can't wait to use it on (with)my family. I sure do miss you.