Conference traditions...

[tanuvasamama]

In this month's Ensign there is an article about general conference traditions. I really enjoyed reading about things that other families do to make conference interesting and engaging for their kids. What to you do over conference weekend? How do you involve your kids? Do you have any special conference foods? I have a houseful of youngin's so I would appreciate any and all suggestions

:)

[Elgama]

we turn it into a holiday weekend, from next year husband will be taking the Friday and Monday off as well, because baby is due and we are moving he can't this year.

Friday night we go out for ice cream, and a walk on the beach if weather is nice, or softplay place if its not, we have a picnic during general conference time, with popcorn, and strawberry milkshake and something like hotdogs. In between sessions we take walks or go to the park. During the sessions we take it in turns to play quiet games and do related crafts with the kids, we find my 5 year old took in quite a lot from conference just from being present last year, we sing the hymns together and kneel for prayers. And then for FHE on the Monday we again go out for a meal, and maybe do some sticking and gluing of something that we learned about in conference.

We also get the CDs of conference and I play them in the house during the day so everyone is forced to pick up bits months afterwards lol

-Charley

[applepansy]

When I was a child my mother's whole family got together to listen to conference. Between sessions there was a big meal. Back then Conference was three days. (my poor grandmother was cooking for a crowd three days in a row.) During the meal and after the afternoon session there was always a discussion about what we heard, led by my grandfather. I learned a lot about the finer points of the gospel from eaves dropping on those discussions. Grandpa would use any family get together as an excuse to teach or discuss a point in the gospel. As kids we were expected to be seen and not heard, but we sure learned a lot.

My husand's family play. The radio is turned to conference but its in the background.

As we've developed our own family traditions its been somewhere in between. When the children were younger I insisted we "attend" Conference on Sunday just like we did church on other Sundays. And I cooked a big meal. On Saturday we did things more like my husband's family, except that I was still in the house "watching" on TV. Sometimes my kids were with me and sometimes with their Dad.

What all that has morphed into: We watch Conference on TV now. Also, every radio and TV in the house is tuned to conference so that if you leave the family room you don't miss anything (Hubby's idea, not mine :) ) As for my kids, the boys (27 and 24) are not active and my daughter (21) watches with college friends. They take turns hosting it at each other's places. Last October Conference she did Sunday at her place (she lives with my older son... poor kid... he's trying so hard to get away and his sister brings it home with her. LOL) She's determined to get him reactivated. My 24yo son who is living at home tries to hide somewhere in the house where he can't hear it, but fails miserably. LOL

When the kids were younger we always used the activities in the Friend magazine to help focus their attention. They loved that part. There are times I wish I could turn the clock back. :)

applepansy

[Jbs2763]

this may be a dumb question, but what weekend is it this year? i'd like to at least get sat night off for preisthood session, the rest i can watch online

[Wingnut]

this may be a dumb question, but what weekend is it this year? i'd like to at least get sat night off for preisthood session, the rest i can watch online

Always the first weekend in April, and the first weekend in October. So, April 4-5.

[Jbs2763]

our Elders Quorum always has an ice cream social after preisthood session

[Islander]

Although barely 40, I am in the HP group but I tend to hang out more with the Elders. After (stake or general) conference we go to this little family restaurant for chili cheese fries and pink lemonade. They are not members of the church but they love the attention and patronage. Last week after stake conf we went and got 50 coupons for free lemonade. The son of the owner said "bring ALL your priests after your meeting" once more or less understanding what the whole bunch of men in dark suits were not coming from a funeral.

[talisyn]

My daughter and I get scriptures, drinks, pillows, and blankets. Then we settle down on the couch, turn on conference, and discuss a bit what is said in the few moments between speakers. Sometimes there are naps, but it's mostly listening to the talks in peaceful contemplation. Although those peaceful moments are sometimes 'ruined' when the GAs talk about stuff like pornography and addictions. I know people suffering from problems need help, esp from our leaders, but sometimes I wish there was a conference program identifying who is gonna talk about what so the transitions are not so jarring.