Little Women beautifully captures both the joy and stress of family life. Learn from this classic how you can experience more "love at home."

Visit https://ldsbooknook.com/little-women to read this episode's transcript.

Visit https://lizkazandzhy.com/ to learn more about the host.

OUTLINE

🔹 Little Women is a classic written by Louisa May Alcott and published in 1868

A wholesome book with timeless themes like family and friendship, love and forgiveness, growing up and overcoming weaknesses

If you have Amazon Prime, you can get this ebook/audiobook (and dozens of others) for free at amazon.com/primereading

🔹 Forgiveness between siblings

Sisters Jo and Amy had a huge fight that probably would've estranged them for a long time if it weren't for tragedy striking

The fire can symbolize the inevitable bouts of contention that are bound to burn within our homes, and the ice can symbolize those moments when we remember just how much we love and need each other

🔹 Forgiveness between spouses

Newlyweds Meg and John Brooke learned how to make up after their first major fight

"Be the first to ask pardon if you both err, and guard against the little piques, misunderstandings, and hasty words that often pave the way for bitter sorrow and regret."

🔹 Let your kids know how much you love them

"Children will not remember you for the material things you provided, but for the feeling that you cherished them."

The website parentguidance.org is an incredible free resource that helps parents connect with their kids more

🔹 Help your kids understand God through your example

The more we strive to be like God, the more they will understand Him as their loving Heavenly Father

"Go to God with all your little cares ... as freely as you come to your mother."

🔹 Be open with your kids about your weaknesses

When Jo was feeling down about her temper, Mrs. March comforted her by sharing her struggles with her own temper

"[Jo] felt comforted at once by the sympathy and confidence given her. The knowledge that her mother had a fault like hers, and tried to mend it, made her own easier to bear and strengthened her resolution to cure it."

🔹 Takeaway

This week, focus on the good that comes from your family life—the little moments of joy and love, the sweet forgiveness that follows contention, or the connection you feel as you give and receive love and affection