30 Things You Never Knew About Your Mom

Think you know everything there is to know about your mom? Try answering these questions on your own. Then sit down and ask your mom the ones you don’t know. You could be surprised at how much you can learn! It could even be a family home evening activity! Pick some questions from the list, and have everyone write down what they think the answer is. Then have your mom answer the questions and see who gets the most correct!

1. What was it like being pregnant with (or adopting) me? How was it different from my siblings
2. What were you like as a child?
3. What makes you happier: someone doing the dishes or someone giving you flowers?
4. Tell me about your worst date ever.
5. How many jobs have you had in your life? What did you learn from them?
6. Who was your favorite person to spend time with when you were a teenager? Why?
7. What kind of car did you learn to drive in? Who taught you?
8. What was the most popular song when you were in high school? What kind of music did you like to listen to?
9. Who was your role model as a kid? Who is it today?
10. What was the highlight of high school for you?
11. What are your favorite smells, sights, sounds, and feelings?
12. Is there anything in your childhood you wish you could have changed? Why?
13. What do you admire most about your parents?
14. Did you have any traditions with your friends growing up? What about fun family traditions for the holidays?
15. What is the greatest service someone has ever done for you?
16. Tell me about your worst hair day ever. And what about your worst hairstyle ever?
17. What is your first memory of Dad? What kind of boyfriend was he?
18. As a teen, did you ever feel the Spirit prompt you very strongly to do something?
19. What was your favorite restaurant or store as a kid?
20. What’s the best thing Dad has ever done for you? That you’ve done for him?
21. What’s your dream job? Is it different from the job you dreamed about as a kid?
22. Tell me about the first movie you remember going to. How much did a ticket cost?
23. Which three foods do you wish didn’t exist, and which three foods do you wish you could eat every day?
24. What was your first experience living outside of the home you grew up in?
25. What would you want your grandkids to remember you for?
26. Tell me about one day or event that you wish I could relive with you.
27. What’s your favorite thing about having kids? What’s the hardest part? The most surprising?
28. Do you have a favorite travel memory?
29. What do you feel like you inherited from your mom and dad?
30. What is your proudest moment as a mother?

To learn more: 30 Things You Never Knew About Your Mom

Families are a Source of Support

"Our families have the potential to provide a tremendous source of love and support. One reason the Lord has provided us with families is to listen and be available when it feels like there is no one else. Trusted family members may provide the validation and support we need to continue to face our challenges with determination." Addiction and Recovery Support Guide

Good Relationships Require Forgiveness

Forgiveness includes a process of letting go of burdens that keep us from experiencing the Savior’s peace. President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “A spirit of forgiveness and an attitude of love and compassion toward those who may have wronged us is of the very essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ” (“Of You It Is Required to Forgive,” Ensign, June 1991, 2). We will find healing as we forgive others. President James E. Faust taught: “It will take humility to do this, but if we will get on our knees and ask Heavenly Father for a feeling of forgiveness, He will help us. The Lord requires us ‘to forgive all men’ [D&C 64:10] for our own good because ‘hatred [hinders] spiritual growth’ [Orson F. Whitney, Gospel Themes (1914), 144]. Only as we rid ourselves of hatred and bitterness can the Lord put comfort into our hearts” (“The Healing Power of Forgiveness,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 69).

Forgiveness does not mean that we condone our loved ones’ poor choices or allow them to mistreat us. Forgiveness allows us to move forward spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Just as our loved ones are in bondage to addiction, our unwillingness to forgive can hold us captive. As we forgive, we leave behind feelings that, in the words of President Thomas S. Monson, have the power to “canker, fester, and ultimately destroy” (“Hidden Wedges,” Ensign, May 2002, 20). In this way, we eliminate the barriers to having the Spirit more abundantly and continue on the path of discipleship. As President Dieter F. Uchtdorf reminds us, “Heaven is filled with those who have this in common: They are forgiven. And they forgive” (“The Merciful Obtain Mercy,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 77).

To learn more: Addiction and Recovery Support Guide

God is Aware of Our Situation

There may be times when we wonder if God knows what we are going through as our loved ones struggle with their addictions. As we turn our hearts and minds to God, we can sense His presence and guidance. Elder Kevin W. Pearson of the Seventy said, “He loves each of us perfectly and is full of mercy and understanding. He knows everything about us. He knows what we need, even when we can see only what we want. He has infinite power and capacity to sustain and guide us. He is always willing to forgive us and to help us in all things” (“Improving Your Personal Prayers,” Ensign or Liahona, June 2013, 36–37). President Thomas S. Monson taught, “Again, my brothers and sisters, our Heavenly Father is aware of our needs and will help us as we call upon Him for assistance. I believe that no concern of ours is too small or insignificant. The Lord is in the details of our lives” (“Consider the Blessings,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 88).

To learn more: Addiction and Recovery Support Guide

Strengthening Marriage

President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “Marriage . . . is the most glorious and most exalting principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ. No ordinance is of more importance and none more sacred and more necessary to the eternal joy of man. Faithfulness to the marriage covenant brings the fullest joy here and glorious rewards hereafter.”

There is a course and a workbook developed to help spouses develop and maintain an enriching relationship with each other. The course covers six topics: “Applying Gospel Principles,” “Communicating with Love,” “Fostering Equality and Unity,” “Overcoming Anger,” “Resolving Conflict,” “and Enriching Marriage.”

To learn more: Strengthening Marriage

Arming Children Against Pornography

As you teach your children about intimacy, keep in mind the following principles that enhance learning:

1. Share the responsibility to teach with your spouse.
2. Teach your children by example.
3. Be consistent in your behavior.
4. Counsel with your children.
5. Pass righteous judgment on your children.
6. Provide a positive emotional climate in your home.
7. Hold family home evenings regularly.
8. Share your thoughts and feelings with your children.
9. Break the routine.
10. Express your love to your children regularly and frequently.

To learn more: A Parents Guide
A guide to help parents teach their children how to follow the Lord’s plan and understand the sacred nature of intimacy.

Hope and Help - new section on LDS.org

This is a new section on LDS.org. Some pages may be enhanced and additional topics added based on your feedback.

Life brings many challenges for every member of the human family. Some challenges are the result of unwise choices that all of us make from time to time. Others may have nothing to do with our choices at all but are the results of others’ actions. And sometimes, like a bereavement or a chronic illness, there is no one at fault. But in every circumstance, hope and peace can be found in the gospel of Jesus Christ and in the infinite Atonement of Christ, who understands our burdens.

Please prayerfully use these topic pages whenever you feel burdened, to gain hope or help for your needs, or to support those you care about. The topics are listed in alphabetical order.

• Abuse
• Addiction
• Adoption
• Death, Grieving and Loss
• Disabilities
• Divorce
• Emotional and Mental Health
• Forgiveness
• Overcoming Pornography
• Pregnant and Single
• Same-Sex Attraction
• Single-Parent Families
• Suicide
• Unemployment

To learn more: Hope and Help