I have to admit that as a kid, General Conference was not something I looked forward too. It was pretty much a time to hang out in my PJs, take naps, and not have to go to church…I’m sure this sounds familiar to some of you.
But now I love General Conference and look forward to it every October and April. And it’s something that I want my kids to learn to love at an early age so they can appreciate the words of our church leadership far before I did.
There are some things I’ve learned to help me participate better as an adult, make it fun for our family, and I’ve seen lots of things to get the kids involved.
1. Sunday morning cinnamon rolls
I love cinnamon rolls! But they take so long to make I usually don’t make them very often. But this is a good excuse to do it. I made these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting for October and they were a huge hit! I also make these Cinnamon Rolls in April. Yum!
2. Saturday Night girls night
I know many women already do this, but my extended family just started this recently. While the men are at the Priesthood Session, the women have dinner together – whether out to eat or at someone’s home. It’s fun to chat and catch up with just the girls. And this is a great time for the men to bond as they go to Priesthood Session as well. My husband goes out to dinner after with the men in his extended family also.
3. Question candy
My husband’s family did this while he was growing up. His mom buys a big bag of candy (which is easy to find around Halloween and Easter 🙂 ) and then after a talk, his dad would ask a question about a talk and whoever can answer gets a piece of candy. This is a great way to help the kids listen.
4. Kid Print Outs and Activities
I’ve been collecting ideas on Pinterest of things to do with my kids during General Conference. You can find all of these ideas on my Pinterest Board – LDS Stuff. But here are some links to some great ideas!
5. Sunday night dinner and sharing
My husband’s extended family gets together every Sunday evening after General Conference and eats a traditional meal of homemade chicken noodle soup and rolls. They’re seriously amazing! And then finish it off with homemade ice cream. It’s one of the highlights of my weekend! So delicious! Before the ice cream, the entire family sits together and starting from youngest to oldest, each shares their favorite talk or something they heard that stood out to them. It’s a great time to share testimonies of the power and spirit of General Conference.
6. Don’t wear PJs
I know this is hard, but not wearing your PJs helps you stay awake a little more. For some reason it can be really hard to stay awake after 8 hours (or 10 for men) of people speaking. So we try to do what we can to stay awake.
7. Take notes
It didn’t even really occur to me to take notes until I saw my friends doing it in college. But this really helps me stay awake as I write down the things that stand out. It also helps me remember the things I’ve heard and also a chance to write down any personal revelation I receive.
8. Ask 3 specific questions
I had a friend do this in college and I love it! Before Conference starts, think of 3 questions you have. This can be anything from life questions to doctrinal questions. Pray about them. Then listen for the answers during Conference. I’ve received answers to these questions every time! Whether they were in specific talks or through personal revelation. I find listening for something specific also helps me get more out of General Conference.
And here are some other great ideas from 14 other bloggers! Check out the link up below to see their traditions and ideas. And make sure you come back TOMORROW for an
AMAZING GIVEAWAY
with these bloggers! I’m talking big! It includes everything you need to have a great General Conference experience – I’m talking a large gift card to Deseret Book, journals, food storage, gift baskets, and more! It’s going to be awesome!
Tara says
So many great ideas, Alexis! I need to get printing and organizing!
ATanner110 says
I know me too! I need to make sure I really do it. 🙂
Becky says
I love these ideas! I think my favorite is to ask questions after a talk then give your kids candy if they know the answer.
ATanner110 says
I know! Isn't it a great idea? I think my husband really enjoyed that as a kid.
Francesca says
I agree that simply getting dressed and eating breakfast beforehand can totally change the mood and help everyone stay awake and feel ready for conference. Thanks for the many links!
ATanner110 says
I totally agree. It definitely helps me!
Audra Day says
Great ideas Alexis! I'm excited to click over to these fun activities, and you reminded me of some great ways to make the most of General Conference.
ATanner110 says
Thanks so much Audra! I hope my activities and ideas help!
Camille Gillham says
We are all about the cinnamon rolls for Conference weekend too! I naturally start craving them at this time and wonder why until I realize what time of the year it is. So funny. I love the candy with questions after! I'm definitely going to have to try this- especially since its so easy to pause things these days! Thanks for sharing.
Sarah K. says
I love all of these ideas! We are definitely going to have to implement that candy question one. I think that would be a hit at my house. Thanks for sharing!
Hugs!
Sarah
http://sprinklesonmyicecream.blogspot.com/
ATanner110 says
Definitely! I still love doing this even as an adult. 🙂