Steps to Building Strong Families

            Families, communities, and nations can be strengthened by doing the things that strengthen families. As the basic unit of society the family can be compared to the foundation of a building. When the foundation is solid, the building can stand straight and firm. When the foundation is missing or weak, the building starts to lean and eventually falls. Families, as the foundation of society, can be strengthened by taking the correct steps.

            Mormonchannel.org says that “everyday challenges and trials” are easier to handle when the relationships within the family are strong. These strong relationships give “support and guidance” while building “true friendship.” The site lists three steps that families can take in order to be a stronger unit.

Step 1: Build your family’s foundation upon the teachings of Christ. [The site discusses the following principles: faith in Jesus Christ, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.]

Step 2: Communicate with love. … Communication is key to making a relationship work. Strong family relationships are developed as good communication skills are developed….

Step 3: Spend quality time together. In order to form and maintain strong, loving relationships, time together is essential. [Some of the most important activities to do together are as follow:] Eating a meal together at least once a day, attending church and church activities, playing outdoor sports, visiting a local library or museum, and taking an evening walk. [I would add studying the scriptures and reading books together to this list of activities.]

            The three steps listed above are essential to building families that are strong enough to withstand all the problems in society. Of course, doing one or two of the steps will be helpful in strengthening families, but families who desire to stay together in this life and throughout eternity must follow all three steps. We can strengthen our families, communities, and nation by basing the foundation of our family on the teachings of Jesus Christ, communicating with love, and spending quality time together.