Explain that in addition to family prayer, family scripture study, and family home evening, wholesome recreational activities can help families develop strong bonds of love and unity. Parents should plan times when their family can participate together in such activities. President Ezra Taft Benson counseled: “Build traditions of family vacations and trips and outings. These memories will never be forgotten by your children” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1987, 63; or Ensign, Nov. 1987, 51).
• What are the benefits of participating in recreational activities as a family?
• What memories do you have of family activities when you were a child? In what ways have these activities influenced your life?
Invite participants to share ideas for fun, interesting, and memorable family activities that have little or no cost.
This lesson concludes part B of the Marriage and Family Relations course. If you have been teaching the entire course, consider using the following exercise:
Give each participant a piece of paper and a pen or pencil. Ask participants to spend three minutes listing the doctrines and principles they remember from lessons 9 through 16 of this course. Have them underline the doctrines or principles that have been most meaningful to them. Encourage them to be prepared to talk about some of the items they underline. If they need help, use the table of contents on pages v–vii in this manual or the overview of the course on pages vii–viii in the Marriage and Family Relations Participant’s Study Guide.
After three minutes, ask each participant to read one item from his or her list and explain why it is particularly meaningful. Summarize participants’ insights on the chalkboard, and acknowledge the importance of each comment. Then share an insight of your own. As time permits, repeat this exercise.
Express your gratitude to those you teach for their participation in this course, and encourage them to continue to live according to the doctrines and prin-ciples they have discussed throughout the course. Also encourage them to read “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” periodically with their families and follow its counsel in their homes.
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