Preparing for General Conference

The April 2013 General Conference begins tomorrow!  I love Conference time.  Conference can be a challenge with kids.  I want my kids to love conference as much as I do.  I have tried a lot of different things in the past to help my kids get into conference.  We have pitched a tent in the house like the people of King Benjamin to listen to the words of our leaders.  We have printed conference packets, had treats, set expectations, had special meals....and on and on.  My sister told me about a broadcast on the Mormon Channel that specifically talks about General Conference and how to listen with your family.

It was a great broadcast put on by some of our General Authorities and General Auxiliary leaders.  Here is the link if you want to check it out:  http://www.mormonchannel.org/gospel-solutions-for-families/making-general-conference-meaningful-part-1  It has two parts, this is the link to the first part.  I took notes as I listened, because there were a lot of great ideas.

Here are the things that stuck with me:

*Make it special (whether with special snacks, games, tents, etc.  One family always dresses up in their Sunday best for Conference, another has special "Conference pajamas.")  Do what works for your family.

*While you want to make it special, don't kill yourself cooking/preparing things all throughout Conference.  Keep things simple.  I want to listen, I don't want to be washing a mound of dishes or cooking the next meal all throughout a session.  I planned our meals for the weekend so I wouldn't be cooking or cleaning during the session.  How lame is it to insist your kids watch conference while you spend the whole time in the kitchen?

*Don't set yourself up to fall asleep.  For example...late afternoon is always a tempting time for me to lay down on the couch.  As a very tired pregnant lady, that is just asking for trouble.

*Let your kids listen and learn how they learn best.  Zack loves a good conference packet.  He will sit and listen and take notes the whole time.  Austin is similar.  If he has something to color, he will sit and listen for hours.  Derek doesn't enjoy coloring/note taking.  Sitting still is really hard for him and he definitely isn't listening.  While I am asking them to sit quietly and listen (with no distractions) during certain parts of the meetings, for the first time ever I am going to let Derek have some Legos in the family room.  Building/creating is something he loves.  I plan on asking him to build specific things (Nephite city, Noah's Ark, etc.) but I have a feeling that this might be the key to getting him to listen to Conference (longer than a talk or two).  I am hoping that creating a positive situation for each kid will help them be excited about Conference.

These next few are my own personal thoughts for my family:

*In the past, I have provided a lot of treats or snacks to help the kids through the meetings.  Sugar + three wiggly boys = teasing, poking, fighting, etc.  This year I am going to make a good breakfast and then have a snack table set up that the kids can get to themselves (as I am constantly getting water, bananas, etc during the meeting).  We are going to make some oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, have a lot of fruit and veggies, cheese and crackers and water.  I might get all crazy and make lemonade.  Nothing fancy.  Just not straight up sugar.  I do have a few "treats" tucked away for when things break down and I am not above a little bribery.  :)

*Preparing beforehand.  Today we will get the house straightened up and food prepared so that we are ready tomorrow morning.  This includes packing some bags since we will be spending Saturday night up with family.  (My little brother is opening his mission call Sunday evening!  He has been in CA on a choir trip all week and his call has been sitting at home waiting for him!)

*We usually go down to Temple Square for at least one session.  It is one of my favorite traditions.  I love for my kids to feel the Spirit there and to see all the people who come to listen to the Prophet.  This year we are opting out of going down.  Matt and Zack have tickets to the Sunday morning session and I am pretty sure that I am too slow to chase the three little ones around for 2 hours plus Music and the Spoken Word.   We will enjoy it from home.

I can't wait to hear what our Prophet and leaders have to share with us.  I would love any of your Conference tips or suggestions.  This is a process that I feel like I need to readjust every time Conference rolls around.  Have a wonderful weekend and prepare to be inspired!!