Title: “One on One”
Exhibitor: Elaine Erickson
Description: The Brethren have counseled us that parent-child
interviews can be a valuable tool for building relationships with our children. Our family does one-on-one interviews each month. The format is simple, the time is short, and the results are rewarding. We have also found husband-wife interviews to be beneficial.
How To’s: Parent/Child Interview Format
Additional
Resource Information & Quotes
Parent/Child
Interview Format:
Our family does
one-on-one interviews once a month, every fast Sunday. These take place in the den with the
computer (in our family it is with father/child). Information can be recorded for each person and referred back to
easily. The date is included. Average time is 15 minutes.
1. Check the previous month's goal on the
computer to see how it went. (Sometimes
there is a treat if they remember it)
2. Talk about recent events in the child's
life-doings, accomplishments, upcoming events difficulties, feelings,
anything….
3. Make a new goal. Record it on the computer and on a small
takeaway reminder card. (Often this is
a picture drawn by the child or dad.)
Mom is then usually told each child's goal to be aware what they are
working on and maybe help.
4. Optional game, treat
5. Prayer and hug-alternate months who
gives prayer as recorded on the computer.
Husband/Wife
Interview Format:
1. Check on family
and couple goals on the computer to monitor progress.
2. With the calendar
we briefly record the month's events for a journal entry on the computer
(birthdays, milestones, concerts, plays, sporting events, etc. for us and the
children)
3. Plan schedule for
upcoming month, including temple attendance for us and the
children (baptisms for the dead).
Additional
Resource Information:
Carlos E. Asay,
"Parent-Child Interviews," Ensign, Nov. 1983, 14
Wendell P.
Droubay, "Heart to Heart," Ensign, June 1997, 57
Steven B. Glade,
"Twelve Tips for Parent-Child Interviews," Ensign, June 1997, 59
Leah Poole Wright,
"Dad, What Do You Want to Talk About?" Ensign, Mar. 1983, 18
Quotes:
"Have regular
one-on-one visits with your children.
Let them talk about what they would like to. Teach them gospel principles.
Teach them true values. Tell
them you love them. Personal time with
your children tells them where Dad puts his priorities."
--Ezra Taft
Benson, "To the Fathers in Israel," Ensign, Nov. 1987, 48
"Some of the
most effective family councils are one on one with each family member. Help children know their ideas are
important. Listen to them and learn
from them."
--Elder Robert D.
Hales, "Strengthening Families: Our Sacred Duty," Ensign, May 1999,
32