by Alison Palmer

I love the illustration on the cover of the new Primary theme. It shows Greg Olson’s famous painting “Be Not Afraid.” A small child is cradled in Christ’s arms while another reaches up to Him from the bank of a raging river.

In a world where our children face unfriendly rivers on all sides, the General Primary Presidency has chosen to emphasize the one thing that can see our children through: “I’ll Follow Him in Faith.”

Like the illustration, the concept is simple and beautiful.

“Our intent is to give the children experiences that will allow them to become converted, find their own faith and testimony, and make commitments to follow the Savior and live His gospel” (2007 Outline for Sharing Time and the Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation, pg. 1)

What a beautiful gift our children will be given this year!

How can we help? How do we as families with young children become involved and emphasize these valuable lessons within the walls of our own home?

There are many books and resources available to help you integrate the theme and lessons into your family home evenings, but here are a few other ways to make it a part of your life.

First, know the schedule. When you are aware of what the children are learning in Primary ahead of time, you will be amazed with how many teaching opportunities will present themselves. Go to LDS.org, click on “gospel library” in the directory. On the right hand side of the new page a link will come up for 2007 outline. Copies are also available through church distribution sites.

Next, get an 8 ½ x11 frame that will let you frequently change the picture. Frame the words to the monthly scripture and place it visibly in your home. Let your children color their own copies for their rooms.

The children are encouraged to memorize these scriptures. Repeat the scripture together as a family every day. Help your child understand how the scriptures apply to his life.

Help your children understand the workings of the Holy Ghost. Talk about times when you have felt His presence. Identify the feelings associated with promptings. Tell your children when you feel His presence so they can begin to recognize those feelings within themselves. Share your testimony often. Faith is an intangible. We can only make it real for them through their own feelings.

Sing the songs and teach their messages. Music speaks powerfully to the spirit.

Help make Christ real for the children. If your child doesn’t already have one let them choose a special picture of Christ for their room. It should be one they have a connection to. Allow them to share what makes it special to them and point out other things you see, such as, “I like how soft and kind His eyes are.”

The mustard seed analogy also works, but follow it up with something tangible. Do you have a tree or large plant in your home? Let family members add paper flowers or leaves to that tree through out the year. Write a faith experience they have had on one side before placing it on the tree. This can become a part of your family home evenings each week or added immediately as experiences occur so that the children see the connection between what is happening and their own growing faith in the Savior.

Don’t have a tree? Make a construction paper or yarn “vine” on their closet door or other safe place and let them add leaves there.

Perhaps it would be nice to invite your child to draw a picture of what they learned each Sunday. Use a 3 ring binder and some sheet protectors. Allow the children to store their illustrations in their own “faith book” for Sacrament meetings and family home evenings. Be sure to describe what the picture represents on the backs.

I want to know that when the river rages, my own children will reach for the Savior. I’m grateful that the Primary is focusing on building my child’s faith experiences and I want to help. Just a few simple steps can add a world of depth to a child’s faith.

Alison Palmer is the author of 3 sharing time manuals titled “Sharing Through Primary Songs.” These and her other titles are available at most LDS bookstores and at www.Cedarfort.com.