Program Instruction for Children
Program FAQs for Children

Program FAQs for Children

Heavenly Father loves the children and youth of the Church. He is eager to bless them with joy and peace as they strive to live the gospel.

In 2020, the Church launched the Children and Youth program to help the rising generation become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ. It was based on three pillars: gospel learning, service and activities, and personal development. Building on that foundation, the Lord has inspired refinements to the program, beginning in January 2027, to help today’s children and youth continue to:

  • BELIEVE in Jesus Christ.

  • BELONG to Jesus Christ and His Church.

  • BECOME more like Jesus Christ.

How is the program organized, and how will it bless children?

Children will believe in Jesus Christ more deeply as they:

  • Learn about one principle of the Savior’s gospel each fast Sunday, following the pattern “Jesus did this, and so can I.”

  • Continue to study Come, Follow Me with their families and in their Primary classes.

Children will feel they belong to Jesus Christ and His Church as they:

  • Prepare for and enter a covenant relationship with the Lord through baptism, are confirmed members of the Church, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

  • Participate in Church meetings and help plan Primary activities, including an annual service activity.

Children will strive to become more like Jesus Christ as they:

  • Set and work on one goal each month related to the fast-Sunday lesson and write down what they learned (children ages 8–11).

  • Learn about God’s power and prepare to serve in the temple.

Where should we go for guidance?

Use these main resources:

How can parents and leaders help?

Heavenly Father has given parents the main role in helping their children grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. Parents can do this in many ways. The Children and Youth program provides opportunities for parents to:

  • Talk with their children about what they are learning about the Savior and His gospel. They can share experiences, testimony, love, and encouragement.

  • Help children ages 8–11 as each child prayerfully chooses a monthly goal to follow Jesus Christ.

Primary teachers help by:

  • Teaching the fast-Sunday lessons.

  • Encouraging children ages 8 and older to talk with their parents about what they learned and to set a monthly goal to follow Jesus Christ.

  • Supporting children and families with goal-setting as needed.

The Primary presidency plans the following annual events:

  • A Celebration of Growth event for children ages 8 and older. In this event, children, parents, and leaders rejoice together in the children’s experiences following the Savior that year.

  • A Baptism and Confirmation Preparation meeting for children turning 8.

  • A Temple and Priesthood Preparation meeting for children turning 11.

Valiant activity leaders help by:

  • Planning fun, engaging Valiant activities that connect with the monthly fast-Sunday topic when appropriate.

  • Inviting Valiant-age children to help plan and lead activities.

What will change in Primary on Sundays?

Each fast Sunday, children will have a special lesson about a principle of the Savior’s gospel. These lessons are found at the end of Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church and in Gospel Library.

The fast-Sunday lessons set a spiritual tone for the month. They can spark loving conversations between children and parents, and they can inspire goals to help children follow Jesus Christ more faithfully.

Will children still set goals?

Yes. Beginning the year children turn 8, they are invited to prayerfully choose one simple goal each month based on what they learn in the fast-Sunday lesson. As they work on accomplishing their goal, children are invited to write about their experiences—what they are learning about Jesus Christ, how He is blessing and helping them, and how they are finding joy in following Him.

Will children use the current Children’s Guidebook?

No. The Children’s Guidebook will no longer be used after these updates begin. Children and families may choose to write down goals in a journal or to record them in another simple way.

How will children and families know what to do each month?

Each month, children will focus on principles taught in their fast-Sunday lesson, following the pattern “Jesus did this, and so can I.” This simple pattern helps children see how they can follow Jesus Christ in their everyday lives. The Parent and Leader Guide lists each month’s topic. Additionally, the Friend magazine includes fun activities connected to the monthly topic.

Do these changes affect Valiant activities?

Yes. Valiant activity leaders are encouraged to help children plan fun activities that support the current month’s fast-Sunday lesson when appropriate. At a new annual Celebration of Growth event, planned by the Primary presidency, parents and leaders celebrate with the children as they recognize how the children have grown as followers of the Savior during the year. In addition, Valiant-age children are encouraged to help plan an annual community service activity.

Will children still receive emblems?

Yes. Emblems are a way to help children recognize and celebrate their experiences and growth as disciples of Jesus Christ.

  • In the month children are baptized or when they turn 8, they receive:

    • A painting of Jesus Christ.

    • A copy of the Book of Mormon.

  • When children memorize or learn the meaning of the Articles of Faith, they receive a temple ring. They demonstrate their understanding with a parent, teacher, or member of the Primary presidency.

Local leaders are responsible for giving these emblems to children.

How can families help children look forward to these changes?

Before January 2027, parents can prepare by:

  • Talking with their children about setting goals and how that helps them grow closer to Jesus Christ.

  • Saving a copy of the chart on page 4 of the Parent and Leader Guide.

Parents and leaders are also encouraged to sign up for a free subscription to the Friend magazine.