Helping of Happiness

SHOW NOTES:

Links mentioned in the episode:

For $50 OFF Troomi Wireless cell phone, use code: HAPPY

VidAngel - 30 day free trial with code: HELPING

Lily & Thistle Art Makes Me Smart (just launched!) $100 OFF Lifetime Access with promo code: HELPINGOFHAPPINESS

$5 OFF The Monthly Art Makes Me Smart Membership from @lily_and_thistle

What’s inside the Art Makes Me Smart Membership? So many cool things, but our favorite is the Around the World section.

Travel the globe through art! Explore 25+ countries with hands-on projects, music, recipes, book lists, and more. Each lesson helps kids connect deeply with cultures around the world, no passport (or planning!) required. Our family has LOVED learning from this Watercolor School for years!!

How to Use Music to Create a Happier, More Peaceful Home

How Can Music Help Create a More Peaceful Home?

One of my favorite things Valaura said during our conversation was:

"We don't have to be great singers to sing. As a teacher, I don't believe in people saying they can or can't. Open your mouth and let the joy come out."

I love that!! We have about half natural singers and half people who can't hear anything on key at our house. But that doesn't stop anyone from singing!

Valaura shared how music can completely change the atmosphere of a home. Think about those afternoons when the kids come home from school, everyone is hungry, homework needs to get done, and you're already feeling overwhelmed.

Instead of adding more noise or trying to fix everyone's mood, what if you turned on some peaceful music?

Valaura told me about her very colicky baby who would cry and cry. She started playing piano music by George Winston, and it helped him settle down. Now that little baby is 33 years old, and he still loves that music, isn't that the craziest thing?!

I think that's so sweet. Not only did the music help in a difficult moment, but it became something that connected them years later.

* Try this in your home : Find some instrumental music that you enjoy and put it on during the busiest part of your day. Maybe that's when everyone gets home from school, during homework, or while you're making dinner. See how your family responds.

The Science Behind Music and Our Emotions

This part of our conversation was fascinating to me!

Valaura explained how closely music is connected to our emotions and memories. Music can activate parts of the brain involved in emotion and memory, and research suggests that enjoyable music can help improve mood and reduce stress.

She talked about dopamine, cortisol, and how music can affect our physical responses as well as our feelings.

But here's something I especially appreciated: not everyone finds the same music calming.

Valaura loves performing opera, but that doesn't mean she wants to listen to opera when she's trying to relax. What makes one person feel peaceful might drive someone else crazy!

This is so true in my family! My husband loves country music, and I enjoy it in small doses. But after listening to it all day, I'm ready for something else. Give me some 90s country, though, and I'm happy! Maybe that's because it takes me right back to my teenage years.

The point is to pay attention to how music makes you and your family feel.

Valaura suggested finding your favorite calming music when you're already in a good mood. That way, when things get stressful, you've got something ready to turn on.

And that leads us to one of my favorite takeaways from this episode.

Make a Playlist for the Days When Everyone Is Grumpy

We all have those days. The kids are arguing, someone is discouraged, dinner needs to be made, and we're feeling a little frazzled ourselves.

Music isn't going to solve every family problem, but it can be one more tool in our parenting toolbox.

Valaura shared that when her daughter came home discouraged from junior high, she would turn on music and they would bake cookies together.

I love this because it wasn't a big production. They weren't planning an elaborate family activity. They were just spending time together, creating an environment where her daughter could feel better and they could talk.

Valaura also told me that her family's go-to happy music included Michael Bublé, 70s and 80s music, and "Fishin' in the Dark" by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (some of my faves as well!).

Whenever someone was having a crummy day, they knew what to turn on!

Here's your assignment this week: Make a playlist of songs that help you feel peaceful and happy.

You might even want a few different playlists:

Peaceful afternoons: Instrumental piano, acoustic music, or whatever helps your family settle down.

Happy cleaning music: Upbeat songs that get everyone moving. Cleaning is a lot more fun with a little dancing!

Family favorites: Songs everyone knows and loves to sing together.

Sunday music: Songs that help your family slow down, feel closer to God, and prepare for the week ahead.

You don't have to make all of these at once. Just start with one!

How Music Creates Family Memories That Last

This might be my favorite part of our whole conversation.

Valaura talked about how music can bring back memories from years ago. Sometimes all it takes is hearing a few notes of a song, and suddenly you're right back in a specific place or time.

This happens to me all the time. There are songs that take me straight back to riding the school bus, going to school dances, or driving in the car with my dad.

And it makes me think about what our kids are going to remember from their childhoods. What songs will remind them of home?

Valaura shared a story that I absolutely loved. On Sundays, she always played Christian music, including the Tabernacle Choir and other uplifting music. Her daughter sometimes complained about it growing up.

But when she went away to college, she called her mom and said:

"Mom, can you send me the playlist from all that music? I miss Sundays at home."

Isn't that the sweetest thing?

Her daughter wasn't just missing the songs. She was missing the feeling of being home.

That's exactly what I want for my kids. I want them to have those little things that bring them right back to the happy memories we made together. And most of the time, those memories are being created in the most ordinary moments.

Simple Musical Family Traditions Your Kids Will Remember

You don't have to be a professional musician or have kids who play instruments to make music a meaningful part of your family life.

Valaura shared some wonderful traditions from her own family:

Sing to your kids at bedtime.

When her children were little, she sang to them every night. Now her grown children sing those same songs to their own kids!

One night she was singing a lullaby to her three-year-old granddaughter, who started getting teary-eyed. When the song ended, her granddaughter said:

"Lala, I just love it so much, and I love you. It's so beautiful, my heart's crying."

Oh my goodness. That story just melted me! It doesn't matter if you have a beautiful singing voice. Your kids love your voice.

Have family singalongs in the car.

Valaura's family still sings together in the car, now with grandchildren joining in! They've passed their favorite songs down to the next generation.

Turn on music while you clean.

I love the idea of putting on upbeat music and making cleaning a little more fun. Valaura said her family would turn on 80s pop, dance, and sing while they worked.

Make music part of your holidays.

Her family used to take cookies to neighbors and go Christmas caroling. Those simple traditions became part of what Christmas meant to her kids.

You can make up your own silly songs, sing while you're cooking, have dance parties in the kitchen, or let your kids choose the music for a family drive.

The important part isn't how good it sounds. It's the connection you're creating.

Music Can Help Us Through Hard Times, Too

Music isn't only for happy moments.

Sometimes it's the thing that helps us through the really difficult ones.

Valaura is currently caring for her mother, who has Alzheimer's. She shared that her mother sometimes doesn't remember who she is, but when Valaura plays a familiar song, her mother can still sing every word.

That really touched me.

We also talked about how music has been part of some of our most emotional family experiences.

When my grandfather passed away, I was asked to sing "You'll Never Walk Alone," at his funeral, which had been a special song for my grandparents. I couldn't get through it without crying.

Then I was asked to sing "The Lord's Prayer," which was another of his favorite songs.

My grandfather was the one who paid for my voice lessons when I was young. He would come to my lesson every week and then head straight to his AA meeting. It was our little routine.

Somehow, when I sang "The Lord's Prayer" at his funeral, I was able to get through the entire song. I really felt like God gave me strength in that moment.

I don't know why one song was so difficult and the other brought me so much peace, but it reminded me how powerful music can be.

Valaura shared something similar from her own life. When she moved away from her children to care for her mother, she struggled with feeling lonely and overwhelmed. She had left behind so much of her musical life.

One day she finally turned on some of her favorite music and lay down to rest. She described feeling an overwhelming peace and being reminded that God had been with her all along.

Her words at the end of our conversation were beautiful:

"The music opens us up, and then he can talk to us. I believe with all my heart he's in the music."

I love that perspective. Sometimes we don't have the answers to the problems our kids are facing. Sometimes we're exhausted ourselves. And sometimes we just need a little peace. Music can be one way to make room for that.

You Don't Have to Be Musical to Have a Musical Home

One thing I hope every mom takes away from this episode is that music isn't just for talented people. You don't have to play the piano, sing in a choir, or know anything about music theory to bring these benefits into your home. You just have to turn it on. Sing along. Dance with your kids. Find the songs that make your family smile. Easy!

Valaura said something toward the end of our conversation that I think sums it up beautifully:

"It doesn't make everything good and everybody happy, but it brings the agitation down."

Isn't that what we're looking for sometimes? Not a perfect home, just a little more peace and a little more joy.

Your Family Happiness Challenge This Week

So go act on our challenge! Make one playlist that helps bring peace into your home.

Choose the songs when you're feeling calm, so they're ready for the moments when everyone needs a little help resetting.

Pay attention to how your kids respond. Ask them what songs make them happy. Maybe even make a family playlist together!

Years from now, those songs might be the very things that remind your children of home.

And that's what we're trying to do here at Helping of Happiness: find simple ways to bring our families together, make meaningful memories, and build relationships that last long after our kids grow up.

Listen to my full conversation with Valaura Arnold on the Helping of Happiness Podcast for more ideas on using music to bring peace, joy, and connection into your family life.

READ TRANSCRIPT OF PODCAST HERE!

Links mentioned in the episode:

For $50 OFF Troomi Wireless cell phone, use code: HAPPY

VidAngel - 30 day free trial with code: HELPING

Lily & Thistle Art Makes Me Smart (just launched!) $100 OFF Lifetime Access with promo code: HELPINGOFHAPPINESS

$5 OFF The Monthly Art Makes Me Smart Membership from @lily_and_thistle

What’s inside the Art Makes Me Smart Membership? So many cool things, but our favorite is the Around the World section.

Travel the globe through art! Explore 25+ countries with hands-on projects, music, recipes, book lists, and more. Each lesson helps kids connect deeply with cultures around the world, no passport (or planning!) required. Our family has LOVED learning from this Watercolor School for years!!

Get 20% OFF Snail Mail Supper Club Subscription with coupon code: HILLARY

Subscriptions and kits here!

For a FREE TRIAL of Snail Mail Supper Club,

contact Jessie: [email protected]

Book Jessie Recommended: Bread & Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table with Recipes on Amazon

In This Episode We talk about:

Why friendship can be difficult to maintain when life gets busy

How Jessie turned a cookbook club with friends into the Snail Mail Supper Club

Why you don't need a perfect house to host friends

How gathering around the table can lead to deeper conversations

Easy ways to make time for friends as a busy mom

How a regular tradition can make friendship easier

Using food to experience different cultures without leaving home

Why our kids benefit from seeing us invest in friendships

How friends can help carry the mental and emotional load of motherhood

Simple ways to gather your friends next week

For a transcription of this podcast, watch on YouTube!

Show Notes:

Jenn’s Recommendations to Hillary for Hawaii:

Jenn’s Recs for Kauai:

TO EAT - Duke’s Kauai (Lihue), Jojo’s Shave Ice (all over island), & Keoki’s Paradise (Poipu)

TO WANDER- Na Pali Coast (boat tour), Poipu Beach (snorkeling & sea turtles)

Jenn’s Recs in Oahu:

TO EAT: Seven Brothers

TO WANDER: Polynesian Cultural Center (don’t miss the fire show at night!) - great place to shop as well!

HELPING OF HAPPINESS BLOGS TO HELP WITH YOUR HAWAII TRAVEL:

Why Kauai Will Steal Your Heart: Hawaiian Getaway for Adventure, Beaches & Amazing Food

Oahu Family Vacation: Simple 5 Day Itinerary for Busy Moms Who Just Want to Enjoy the Trip!

Want a Styling Session with Jenn?

Contact Jenn Here:

Instagram - WanderEatSleepInStyle

TikTok

Jenn’s favorite Sushi Restaurant that we LOVE in DFW:

Oishii Sushi & Pan Asian Cuisine in Plano

Get $50 off a Troomi phone with this code: hAPPY

One of my family’s favorite ways to relax together is to watch movies together.
Whether that also involves a big bowl of crunchy, buttery popcorn, or just snuggling in a cozy, fuzzy blanket, it’s fun enjoying something together after a long busy day.

Nothing quite wrecks the experience by an unexpected spicy scene or an abundance of foul language.
It seems there are so many great shows with “just that one part” that makes you cringe uncomfortably.
That is why we were so happy when we discovered VidAngel!!

VidAngel syncs up with our Amazon Prime and our add free Netflix account and then gives you the option of what filters you’d like to put on. These can be general filters such as all profanity and blasphemy, or individual for each particular instance.

Cobra Kai is a favorite of my kids’ this past month, while my husband and I have been enjoying Night Agent, Fall Guy and Reacher.

30 days free VidAngel service when you Usecode:HELPING

Try it out and see for yourself why we love it so much!

Get VIP Access to our Freebie Library HERE! You’ll find packing lists, printable travel itineraries, recipes for holidays, meal planning sheets, and sooo much more!

I’m sitting down with Chris and Jesse Koerner from the “How’d You Do It?” podcast, and we’re talking about what it really looks like to parent with intention- without holding so tightly to rules and expectations that we lose connection along the way.

We get into the real stuff: how to stay flexible when life (and kids) don’t follow the plan, how to figure out what actually motivates each of your kids (because what works for one might totally flop for another), and why family travel has been such a meaningful way for them to build connection.

We also talk honestly about raising kids in a digital world, learning from our mistakes (because there will be plenty), and why open, ongoing communication matters more than getting everything “right.”

It’s a thoughtful, encouraging conversation that will remind you: you don’t have to parent perfectly to raise kids who feel deeply loved and secure.

Links mentioned in the episode:

For $50 OFF Troomi Wireless cell phone, use code: HAPPY

find Chris & Jessie’s Podcast: “How’d You Do It” in your favorite podcast app: Apple & Spotify

VidAngel - 30 day free trialwith code: HELPING

Takeaways

You can parent with intention and leave room for flexibility

Many parents regret being too strict with their children

What motivates one child might not work for another- and that’s okay!

Mistakes are part of the process (for us and for our kids!)

Family travel can create connection in really meaningful ways

Giving kids a voice builds trust and buy in over time

As kids grow, respecting their independence becomes more important (this can be a tough one!)

Parenting isn’t one size fits all (even within the same family)

Love, safety, and connection matter more than getting everything “right”

There are no guarantees in parenting- just a lot of learning along the way

Chapters

 00:00 Introduction to the Koerner Family and Their Podcast

03:59 Parenting Intentions and Strategies

08:58 Lessons from Podcast Guests

15:04 Incentives and Rewards in Parenting

20:11 Family Travel and Recreation

24:49 Flexibility in Parenting Rules

30:03 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Show Notes Summary:

Where you can find Whitney Archibald:

Family Lab Podcast

Family Lab Podcast on Instagram

In this conversation, Whitney Archibald shares her journey of recovery and the profound lessons learned through adversity. She discusses the joy of regaining independence, the overwhelming support from her community, and the importance of connection with family and friends. Whitney reflects on her evolving identity post-accident, the new hobbies she has embraced, and the valuable life lessons that have emerged from her experiences. The conversation also touches on family traditions, travel adventures, and creative home hacks that foster connection within the family.

Takeaways

Whitney Archibald is a mother of five and creator of The Family Lab podcast.

Family life is an experiment where different approaches are tried.

Mistakes are part of being human, and it's important to forgive ourselves.

A spiritual experience can provide reassurance during traumatic events.

The importance of love and connection in life is paramount.

Recovery from severe injuries requires immense physical and emotional strength.

Family support plays a crucial role in healing and recovery.

Finding ways to nurture relationships during hardship is essential.

Podcasting became a lifeline for Whitney during her recovery.

The experience of a traumatic event can lead to profound personal growth. Driving my kids to school felt amazing.

People wanted to help during my recovery.

My village became very clear and abundant.

I had to learn to say no to many things.

Spiritual and emotional connections matter most.

We can simplify our lives significantly.

Everyone has their own cliffs to climb.

We shouldn't compare our struggles with others.

Connection is fostered through shared experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Whitney Archibald and The Family Lab

04:07 The Rock Climbing Accident: A Life-Changing Experience

19:44 Spiritual Insights and Reflections During Recovery

23:25 The Journey of Recovery: Physical and Emotional Challenges

38:40 Family Support and Acts of Service During Healing

40:35 The Joy of Independence

41:28 Community Support and Connection

44:28 Navigating Recovery and Identity

48:25 Finding New Hobbies and Interests

51:31 Lessons Learned from Adversity

57:19 The Importance of Connection

01:00:18 Family Traditions and Senior Trips

01:04:16 Travel Adventures and Experiences

01:13:09 Creative Home Hacks for Connection

Summary of Transcript

Title: Navigating Life’s Uncertainties: A Journey of Resilience and Connection

Introduction: In a world where parenting often feels like an experiment, Whitney Archibald’s story is a testament to the unpredictability of family life and the strength we find in connection. After a harrowing rock climbing accident, Whitney not only confronted her mortality but also rediscovered the profound importance of family and the lessons that come from our mistakes.

Main Content:

Section 1: The Family Lab - A New Approach to Parenting

Whitney Archibald, a seasoned mother of five, has transformed her experiences into a valuable resource for families. With children ranging from 10 to 20 years old, she understands the evolving dynamics of family life. After her youngest began preschool, Whitney reignited her passion for writing, leading to her blog, "How She Moms," which eventually evolved into the podcast, "The Family Lab." She explains, "Family life is all an experiment, and we are just throwing things at the wall, trying to see what sticks." This refreshing perspective encourages parents to embrace the chaos and recognize that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to parenting.

Section 2: The Unthinkable Accident

On a seemingly ordinary day in July 2023, Whitney embarked on a rock climbing excursion with her children and nieces. Despite her cautious nature, a moment of oversight led to a life-altering fall. "I pride myself on being a safe climber," she recalls, but a simple mistake—failing to double-check her gear—resulted in a catastrophic 30-foot drop. As she lay on the ground, grappling with immense pain, her mind raced through a mix of emotions, including disbelief and regret.

Section 3: A Moment of Clarity

In the chaos following her fall, Whitney experienced an unexpected spiritual revelation. "I felt reassurance right away after I was feeling so much shame," she shared. Despite the physical agony, she found solace in knowing she was going to survive. This moment of clarity shifted her focus from despair to the practicalities of her situation. In the midst of pain and uncertainty, Whitney prioritized her family, even asking her sister to cancel upcoming appointments.

Section 4: The Healing Journey

Whitney's recovery was fraught with challenges, but her resilience shone through. With numerous injuries, including a broken pelvis and vertebrae, she faced a long road to healing. Throughout this journey, Whitney remained focused on her role as a mother and the lessons she wanted to impart to her children. Her experience serves as a poignant reminder that life can change in an instant, but our connections with loved ones can provide the strength to persevere.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

Whitney Archibald’s story is not just about overcoming adversity; it is a powerful reminder of the importance of connection, the value of vulnerability, and the necessity of embracing life’s unpredictability. As she continues to share her insights through "The Family Lab," she encourages parents to experiment with their approaches and to remember that mistakes are part of the journey. Life’s challenges may be daunting, but they also offer opportunities for growth, resilience, and deeper connections with those we love.

Show Notes:

So many Great Takeaways!!!

Katherine has been writing since childhood, illustrating her first book at age seven.

The publishing process is often more challenging than writing itself.

Support from friends and family is crucial in an author's journey.

Katherine's writing is influenced by her personal experiences and those around her.

Editing is a vital part of the writing process and should be embraced.

Katherine's characters often reflect real people and their experiences.

Researching settings and details enhances the realism of her stories.

Writing can be a journey of discovery for both the author and the characters.

Katherine emphasizes the importance of finishing what you start in writing.

Persistence and hard work are key to achieving publishing success.

Where you can find Katherine:

@authorkwalters

https://www.katherinearmstrongwalters.com

Order Katherine’s Books!

https://amzn.to/4a32ci9

AQUA promo video youtube

AFTERSHOCK promo video

ABYSS promo video youtube

Mentions in Podcast:

The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron (book)

Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe from our cookbook!

Christmas movie watch list for families

Rome travel itinerary

Takeaways

Heidi's app Consumed is in pilot mode and seeks user feedback.

The app aims to organize and enhance media consumption experiences.

Heidi emphasizes the importance of user-driven development.

Faith plays a crucial role in Heidi's journey and decision-making.

Resourcefulness and grit are key to pursuing dreams.

Heidi shares insights on balancing personal and professional life.

The conversation highlights the power of community in media.

Heidi discusses the challenges and rewards of app development.

The episode encourages listeners to act on their dreams.

Hillary and Heidi share personal stories of growth and learning.

Sound bites

"Dream big, dream girl dream."

"God is in the details."

"Feedback is pure gold."

"Consumed is like Goodreads on steroids."

"Resourcefulness is our time to shine."

"Community is key in media."

"Faith guides my decisions."

"Momentum is blessed by God."

"Act on your dreams, don't just dream."

"Media connects us all."

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction and Background

00:03:00 The Birth of Consumed

00:06:00 Faith and Personal Growth

00:09:00 The Power of Feedback

00:12:00 Community and Connection

00:15:00 Dreams and Resourcefulness

For a transcript of this episode, click here

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nauvoo and Becca Williamson

02:10 The Unique Charm of Nauvoo

05:00 Insider Tips for Visiting Nauvoo

07:48 Hidden Gems and Family Fun in Nauvoo

11:02 Dining in Nauvoo: Local Favorites

16:47 The History and People of Nauvoo

20:00 The Legacy of Nauvoo Restoration

21:51 Family Ties and Ancestry in Nauvoo

22:54 Year-Round Activities in Nauvoo

24:27 Memorable Experiences in Tourism

25:05 The Emotional Journey of the Saints

26:34 The Trail of Hope and Its Significance

29:06 Finding Peace at the Riverwalk

30:43 Helpful Tips for Families Visiting Nauvoo

Takeaways:

Nauvoo is a charming town with a rich history.

The sunsets in Nauvoo are spectacular and a must-see.

Visitors can tour over 30 historic homes for free.

Local dining options are family-owned and unique.

The town has hidden gems like fairy doors and herb gardens.

Understanding the pioneer experience adds depth to visits.

Fall is a particularly beautiful time to visit Nauvoo.

Where you can find more about Nauvoo:

Visiting Historic Nauvoo With Kids!! The Itinerary Your Family Will Love

Beautiful Nauvoo - City of Nauvoo Tourism Website

Boston Travel Itinerary mentioned in podcast:

Visiting Historic New England: 4 Days Boston to Maine

Show Notes:

For a transcription of this podcast, watch on YouTube!

Get $50 off a Troomi phone with this code: HAPPY

One of my family’s favorite ways to relax together is to watch movies together.
Whether that also involves a big bowl of crunchy, buttery popcorn, or just snuggling in a cozy, fuzzy blanket, it’s fun enjoying something together after a long busy day.

Nothing quite wrecks the experience by an unexpected spicy scene or an abundance of foul language.
It seems there are so many great shows with “just that one part” that makes you cringe uncomfortably.
That is why we were so happy when we discovered VidAngel!!

VidAngel syncs up with our Amazon Prime and our add free Netflix account and then gives you the option of what filters you’d like to put on. These can be general filters such as all profanity and blasphemy, or individual for each particular instance.

Cobra Kai is a favorite of my kids’ this past month, while my husband and I have been enjoying Night Agent, Fall Guy and Reacher.

30 days free VidAngel service when you Usecode:HELPING

Try it out and see for yourself why we love it so much!

Recipes mentioned in the Episode:

Crepes - Our Favorite Food from the Streets of Paris!!

Shrimp Summer Rolls with Thai Peanut Sauce

These are the Air Tags we used for our Son’s luggage when he was traveling internationally without a phone:

Drew Scarbrough and Carson Brownlow are hosts of Peace in Christ Podcast.

Some of their favorite episodes:

Drew’s: The Faith That Drove Jeremy Guthrie’s MLB Career

Carson’s: Pirates, Chaplains, and a Better Tomorrow: A Story of Radical Change and Faith in Schools - episode with Rocky

Drew & Carson’s tips for Winning the Morning:

Making faith a daily choice

Waking up and reading your scriptures, whether it’s a full chapter or just a verse, just getting it done

Making regular visits to the temple

Exercise

Where can you find Drew and Carson?

Podcast: peaceinchristpodcast.com

Instagram

TikTok

YouTube

Yesterday, my son began his two year missionary service for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he will be inviting and teaching people how to come closer to Jesus Christ. I though it was only fitting that today we are talking about how to help support our missionaries while they are away.

On our podcast today, we have guests: Lindy Shock and Jen Wright fromMy Missionary Box. Lindy served as as missionary, and Jen has had 3 of her children serve missions.They are going to teach us a bit about how to prepare our children for missions, be a support to them while they are out, what items you may need to gather or prepare before they leave, give some suggestions for how to support during home MTC (missionary training center), give gift ideas for missionaries, as well as share ideas for how siblings of missionaries can best stay connected during the time apart.

My Missionary Boxhas amazing resources for families and loved ones supporting the loved ones back home. For missionaries they provide tools, inspiration, and ideas to help study and teach while on a mission. They also have tips for helping your local missionaries with tips and products that help missionaries teach and build relationships.

First off - what are missionaries and what do they do??

Missionaries are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who leave their homes for 18 months-2 years to serve others and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. The single men are 18-25 and single women are 19-39. Married couples or adults in their retired years can also serve a mission.

During their time as young missionaries, they consecrate their lives to God. They have one day per week called “preparation day” (or P-day) where they can call their family back home, email family land friends, run errands & grocery shop, and do some more relaxed activities with other missionaries.

Missionaries are all volunteers and pay their own way ($400/month). You will usually see them in pairs. They have a companion with them at all times to keep them safe and focused.

What do Missionaries do?

Teaching missionaries help you feel closer to God by showing you how to pray & receive answers to prayers, teach about Jesus Christ, guide you to understand scriptures, support you through your personal challenges, encourage faith, repentance & baptism, and introduce you to a community of others striving to build their faith.

Service missionaries live at home, and give personalized service to others in many different ways such as serving locally in clinics, non profits, community outreach centers, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temples. They help with, family history, provide help to refugees, homeless and at food banks. Sometimes they also have companions for study.

How to best prepare for a Spiritually, mentally, & Physically for a mission:

Have a scripture study routine - try to make this happen at least 6 months to a year before you leave (online resources for scripture study)

Take a mission prep class

Attend the temple often (More about the temple here)

Get the tools you need to navigate your mental health

Learn to work hard - yardwork, being on your feet for long periods of time, being in good physical shape to be able to walk or bike a lot each day

Practice being away from home for short periods of time such as a church campout, FSY (For the Strength of Youth) camp, flying to see grandparents or cousins, going on an HXP humanitarian trip

How to clean their home and space

Learning how to cook, menu plan, and grocery shop - (Check out our resources HERE you can also grab our cookbook here- delicious and tasty recipes that are easy to make!)

How to budget (two podcast resources for you: 5 Money Lessons All Kids Need to Know and Family Finances Refresher)

Practice using public transportation

Learning to drive

Making phone calls

Talking to adults