❤ 3 Simple Ways to Become a Happier Family ❤

Today we had a combined Relief Society and Priesthood.  We got these nice little booklets about improving the quality of happiness in our families.

I tried to find copies online for those who missed church, but there weren't any on the church website- probably because they are so old.... I couldn't help but laugh at the 90's family picture; the mom had these fantasitc ugly high waist, poofy jeans on.

The content however, is stuff that never goes out of date. The three ways to increase family happiness in the booklet are:

1. Making Time For Each Other
2. Improving Communication
3. Emphasizing Values

Our lovely bishopric members each talked about one of these points.

1. Making Time For Each Other

Brother Tyler Crouch pointed out how most of us consider ourselves to be very busy and not have much (if any) free time. One day he did an experiment and wrote what he was doing down every 15 minutes (don't ask me how he had the discipline to do that!). At the end of the day he subtracted all the time he spent at school and work from the total time. He was surprised at the amount of time he spent not doing those things that makes him so very busy. It was said that we should plan and prioritize what little free time we do have. He pointed out that many people could turn off the TV to spend time together. There was a little bit dated statistic quoted that the average American family spends 3 hours a day staring at the television...I venture to say that the average american spends this much time attached to some sort of technological device - mobile phone, conputer, etc.

What if we a spent a litte less time on FB, instagram, Pintrest, youtube, hulu, texting etc and a little more time interacting with our loved ones? We would be investing in what matters most and building the foundation of stronger relationships!

2. Improving Communication
Brother Owen Hancock reviewed some of the principles in the booklet and asked us some probing questions. From the manual he pointed out that we should listen not only to our loved ones' words, but to their feelings. Now what does that mean? If we are not actively listening and trying to understand how someone feels about what they are saying, we may be missing out on a lot and miss the point altogether. The booklet suggests watching nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, tone of voice, and posture.  It was also noted in class that it is effective to look someone in the eyes while they are speaking, and especially not do something else while they are speaking. I'm sure we all talk and do other things at the same time, and that is not always a bad thing, like for example if you are cooking together, but choosing the right time to stop and watch someone as they tell you something is important, and will show the one you love your attention and care.

3. Emphasizing Values
Bishop Kim talked about how living and teaching values to children strengthens families. It was pointed out that the best way to teach values is by example! He said that when their kids were still all at home around Christmas they always chose a family in the ward and anonymously dropped off poems and gifts or treats for 11 days and on the 12th sang a carol when the family opened the door. He said all the kids got into it and helped make the treats and pick out the gifts. As they served together, the kids felt the good feelings of service and it bonded their family together each year. Children, like all of us, learn when doing and participating, not just hearing.