It’s almost time for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ annual General Conference, which means parents all over the world will be asking one question: How do I get my children to sit and pay attention?

Admittedly, an 8-hour long weekend conference is challenging for anyone to sit completely still through — no matter their age.

Some parents cleverly label candy dishes with things like "faith," "prayer," and "scriptures" as children eagerly listen for a chance to chow down on their favorite treats when they hear these words. Others let their kids color or draw during conference in the hopes that something might sink in their ears while their hands are busy.

If you’re one of the lucky few whose kids sit perfectly still for hours, congratulations! But for the other 99.99% of the population, here’s something else you can try.

Brick’em Young helps children learn about the gospel through building temple sets and scriptural figurines. Whether your children are 8 or 28-years-old, this gospel-centered activity is a great way to keep the family together during one of the most important weekends of the year.

The family that bricks together, sticks together

It all began in 2014 with the Calton family’s desire to teach their children about the importance of temples while living in Shanghai, several hours away from the nearest temple in Hong Kong.

Inspired by their son’s love of small plastic building blocks, Suzanne and Tim Calton decided to create and sell a large model of the Salt Lake Temple with about 1,500 pieces.

Six years later, both their family and their business have grown. The Caltons have expanded their temple sets to include more than a dozen models, with new sets and figurines added each year. They continue to live in China with their two sons and three adopted Chinese daughters while their business builds around the globe.

Not only has their business helped teach about the importance of temples, but it’s created an opportunity for families to grow closer together.

"Many parents have expressed excitement about having a project for their children to do which does not involve electronics," said Suzanne Calton. "It makes an ideal gift as it connects faith, family and fun."

Temple sets

This year marks 200 years since Joseph’s Smith’s First Vision, which led to the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ in the latter days. With that topic sure to be at the forefront of conference this year, your children might find it especially meaningful to build the pioneer-era temples, such as Salt Lake, Nauvoo, Logan, Manti and St. George.

Additionally, Brick’em Young currently offers temple sets for Provo City Center, Cedar City, Idaho Falls, Bountiful, Cardston, Oakland, and the small temple design used by 40-plus temples around the globe.

The larger temple sets take anywhere from 3-8 hours, depending on the design. A smaller Salt Lake Temple set is also available for younger builders.

‘Come, Follow Me’ made easy with Book of Mormon figurine set

In addition to their temple sets, the Caltons recently released a variety of figurine sets, including a nativity and Book of Mormon set — perfect for use with the 2020 "Come, Follow Me" focus of studying the Book of Mormon.

When speakers quote the Book of Mormon in conference this year, your children will be able to engage more thoroughly as they bring Enos, Ammon, Lehi, Sariah, and other scriptural characters to life.

The Brick’em Young website also includes a free downloadable instruction manual to give a better idea of the different scripture stories kids can tell with this set. Once conference is over, your children can teach you what they remember using their Book of Mormon figurines.

Get (your) set for General Conference

The larger Brick’em Young temple sets are recommended for ages 12 and older, though younger children may enjoy working with an older sibling to build the models.

For a more simple activity for ages 8 and older, the missionary, nativity, bride and groom and Book of Mormon figurine sets are easier to assemble, along with the small Salt Lake Temple set.

With an average build time of 3-5 hours depending on the set and number of pieces, this is the perfect activity for the whole family to enjoy during conference weekend or any other time.

Now thru March 20th, Brick’em Young is running a a pre-General Conference 3 for 2 promotion on all their temple sets as well as free shipping on all orders in the continental United States. Visit the website today to purchase your sets in time for General Conference!

Related topics