Mormonism teaches that the family is central to the plan of our Heavenly Father. The family is designed to act as the focal unit of society both on earth and in eternity.  Much of what Mormons believe about the family can be read in The Family: a Proclamation to the World.  This was issued by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Mormon Church.

Although Mormons are sometimes still thought of as practicing plural marriage, this hasn’t been true for over a hundred years.  A Mormon family typically consists of husband, wife, and children.  Because marriage is considered to be a sacred covenant between husband and wife, Mormons are wary about breaking marriages.  In fact, Mormon marriage takes place in a sacred building called a temple.  This marriage is considered to be an eternal marriage and will last, if unbroken, beyond mortal life.

Still, divorce does happen, and is allowed, in the Mormon Church.  But husbands and wives are encouraged against it.  Rather, they are encouraged to seek counseling and work out their problems if possible.  The frequency (and ease) of divorce in much of the world is seen as one of the primary causes for the break-up of the family – and of the demeaning of the family and its importance.

Mormon families tend to be larger than average because members of the Church believe that the law given to Adam and Eve "to multiply and replenish the earth” is still a law and still important.  They consider it their right and privilege to bring spirits into the earth and raise them righteously.

Children are very important in the Mormon family.  Joseph B. Wirthlin, one of the Twelve Apostles of the Mormon Church, said, "The righteous molding of an immortal soul is the highest work we can do, and the home is the place to do it."  Therefore, mothers are encouraged to stay home and nurture the children while fathers provide for the material needs of the family.  These roles are seen as equal, equally necessary for the raising and instruction of the child.  Mormon marriage is supposed to be an equal partnership, neither mother or father dominating. 

The spiritual teaching of the child is to take place primarily at home.  Home life should be gospel centered and parents should teach their children by example as well as by what they say.  If the parents are not living the gospel, not living as Latter-day Saints, they can’t expect their children to live the gospel or take it seriously.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) has set aside Monday night for Family Home Evening.  This is intended to be a private family time when Mormon families can meet together without interruptions, or other, intruding, responsibilities.  The Family Home Evening meeting usually consists of a lesson about a gospel principle, and other activities – usually recreational.  Mormons believe that this increases family unity and spiritual strength.

Mormon families also have a family prayer both morning and night.  Often, they will also have group scripture studies.  These also increase family unity and spiritual strength.  A family prayer is believed to help protect the family, as well, and family scripture study allows them to daily learn from the scriptures together. 

Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church, taught that families can be sealed together inside Mormon temples. This sealing binds the family together and promises that the family will be able to live together for eternity, if they are righteous.  Mormon families strive to be eternal ones.