Building Bonds: Crafting Our Family
Mission Statement
Introduction
What is a Family Mission
Statement?
Benefits of Having a Family
Mission Statement
How to Create a Family Mission
Statement
- Determine Your Shared Values
- Identify Your Goals
- Write Down Your Mission Statement
- Communicate and Display Your Statement
Tips for an Effective Family
Mission Statement
Conclusion
FAQs
Introduction
A family mission statement
is a tool that can help strengthen family bonds and align members around shared
values and goals.💞 With the demands of
busy modern life pulling families in different directions, having a unifying
mission statement provides an anchor point and reminds everyone of what really
matters.🌟
Crafting a family mission
statement requires some reflection, discussion, and planning. But the effort
pays off with better communication, teamwork, and satisfaction in your family
relationships.🤝 This guide will walk you through the key
steps for creating a meaningful family mission statement.👣
Let's get started!💫
What is a Family Mission Statement?
A family mission statement is a
short written declaration that captures your family's purpose, values, goals,
and vision for the future.😀 It articulates the very
essence of your family - who you are, what you stand for, where you are headed,
and how you aim to get there.🌠
It serves as a guiding compass
when making decisions and reminds family members about what is truly important.🧭
A family mission statement provides direction amidst the busyness of life and
unites you around shared intentions.🤝
The process of creating it is an
opportunity for meaningful conversations about your family's priorities.😊
The final mission statement becomes a north star for navigating life together.⭐
Benefits of Having a Family Mission Statement
There are many advantages that
come with taking the time to develop a family mission statement:
- **Provides direction &
purpose** - A family mission statement gives your family direction by
articulating shared goals and outlining a vision for the future.🌟
This sense of purpose and meaning can be very fulfilling.
- **Improves communication** -
The process of creating a mission statement leads to deep conversations and
better understanding of each other's values and dreams for the family.🗣️
- **Builds family bond** - A
shared mission developed together unites your family around common ideals and
strengthens your commitment to one another.💕
- **Aids decision-making** -
Having an established set of guiding principles makes it easier to make choices
aligned with your values as a family.🤝
- **Resolves conflicts** -
Referring back to your mission statement can help resolve disagreements in a way
that honors your family's intentions.✨
- **Creates family legacy** - A
mission statement can become a treasured family heirloom passed down through
generations.🪢
How to Create a Family Mission
Statement
Creating a meaningful family
mission statement takes time, effort, and input from all family members.👨👩👧👦
Follow these steps:
Determine Your Shared Values
- Reflect individually first,
then discuss as a family: What values are most important to our family?
- These may include things like:
integrity, adventure, service, faith, learning, etc.
- Make sure to include input from
kids and teens!
Identify Your Goals
- What does your family want to
accomplish together in the next 1, 5, 10 years?
- This could relate to family
time, traditions, growth, financials, adventures, service, etc.
- Ensure everyone's goals and
aspirations are reflected.
Write Down Your Mission Statement
- Combine your values, goals, and
vision into a concise 1-2 sentence statement.
- Use inspiring language that
motivates your family.
- Everyone should feel ownership
in the final mission statement.
Communicate and Display Your
Statement
- Discuss the meaning behind your
family mission statement.
- Display it prominently in your
home as a constant reminder.🏡
- Revisit and revise it together
as needed over the years.
Tips for an Effective Family Mission
Statement
Follow these tips for crafting an
inspiring and purposeful family mission statement:
- Keep it concise but meaningful.
Aim for 1-2 sentences that convey your essence.
- Make sure it captures your
family's unique qualities and intentions.
- Use positive, inspirational,
and inclusive language.
- Seek input from every family
member - adults, kids, teens!
- Display your mission statement
prominently in your home.
- Revisit it annually to keep it
relevant as your family grows and changes.
- Let your mission statement
guide your priorities and major family decisions. Refer back to it often!
Conclusion
Developing a family mission
statement together is a rewarding process that brings your family closer
together.🌟 It articulates your shared purpose and
vision, acting as a guiding light amidst the pressures of daily life. With a family mission statement at the heart
of your family, you have a unifying foundation to build connection, make
meaning, and thrive together. Let your family mission statement be an anchor,
compass, and inspiration as you navigate life's journey...together! ❤️
FAQs
What are some examples of family mission statements?
Here are a few examples of real
family mission statements:
"We, the Anderson family,
value learning, laughter, and adventure. We strive to grow our minds, lift each
other up, and explore nature together. We treat others with kindness and work
together as a team. We aim to make the most of this beautiful life!"
"The Buckley family strives
to build connection and create lasting memories. We value relationships over
things, quality over quantity time, learning over entertainment, and people
over possessions. We commit to regular family nights, yearly vacations, and
daily quality time together."
"As the Mills family, we
hold faith, service, and community at our core. We volunteer weekly, give
generously, and open our home to others. We strive to live our faith through
compassion and make the world better through generosity and service."
How often should you revisit your family mission statement?
It's a good idea to revisit your
family mission statement about once a year. Annual reviews allow you to make
any updates needed as your family grows and changes over time. Kids get older,
priorities may shift, and goals may evolve.
An annual revisiting keeps your
mission statement feeling relevant. Have a family meeting to discuss: Does our
current mission statement still represent our family and goals? What changes,
if any, need to be made? Getting input from every family member ensures it
continues resonating for all.
Where should you display your family mission statement?
Prominently display your family
mission statement in a central, visible spot in your home so you see it and are
reminded of it often. Some good options are:
- Framed on the wall in a high
traffic area like the kitchen
- Hung on the refrigerator so
it's seen daily
- Placed on the sidebar of a
family calendar or planner
- Typed and placed in a picture
frame on a bookshelf, console table, etc.
You want it somewhere noticeable
that you'll all pass by frequently. It serves as a regular reminder for the
entire family.
How do you create a family mission statement that includes young children?
When small children are involved,
aim for basic inclusion by:
- Asking them to name favorite
family activities and traditions. What do they love doing together?
- Letting them draw pictures
showing their vision of family fun. What do they see your family doing?
- Helping them express in simple
words what matters most to them about family.
Have an adult transcribe their
input into concise statements to incorporate. The final mission statement may
be more parent-driven at this stage, but the process still allows young
children to contribute.
What makes a good family mission statement?
A good family mission statement:
- Is concise, usually 1-2
sentences summarizing your family's purpose and goals
- Uses inspirational, positive
language that motivates
- Reflects input from the entire
family - adults, kids, teens
- Captures your unique family
values, intentions, and vision
- Provides a guiding light for
making decisions and resolving conflicts
- Is displayed prominently and
revisited/revised annually
- Feels meaningful and relevant
to the whole family
Should you make a family mission statement if you have older kids?
Yes, definitely make a family
mission statement even if your kids are older teens. While little kids are
blank slates, teens have formed ideas about purpose, values, and goals based on
life experience so far.
Creating a mission statement
together is an opportunity for meaningful dialogue between parents and teens.
When teens feel their perspectives are valued in creating a shared vision, they
feel respected and included. The process itself fosters family bonding and
understanding.
What values are good to include in a family mission statement?
Some common values that make
meaningful anchors for a family mission statement include:
- Kindness / Compassion
- Learning / Curiosity
- Adventure / Exploration
- Service / Contribution
- Faith / Spirituality
- Creativity
- Health / Wellness
- Community / Connection
- Nature Appreciation
Choose a few values most central
to your family. The goal is capturing your unique family identity and what you
aim to prioritize in life.
How do you make a family mission statement unique?
To ensure your family mission
statement is unique:
- Have an open dialogue to
identify your family's core values - don't just copy other examples. Dig into
what matters most to you.
- Reflect on goals that capture
your family's particular aspirations and intentions for the future. Dream big
together.
- Choose words and phrasing that
resonate with your family specifically. Use your own voice.
- Let your special interests,
quirks, and personalities shine through. What makes your family special?
Creating a mission statement is
less about the final product and more about the insightful process. The
conversations you have will organically shape a statement perfect for your
family.
When is the best time to create a family mission statement?
Any time is a good time to create
your family mission statement - but certain life stages lend themselves well:
- When starting a family -
Becoming parents is a perfect time to discuss and define shared values and
intentions.
- Upon becoming an
"official" family - Getting married or moving in together motivates clarifying
your family identity.
- Before a new baby - The
addition will shake up family dynamics, so get aligned beforehand.
- When kids reach school age -
Old enough to provide meaningful input about values and goals.
- During adolescence - Teens
question identity, so including them reaffirms their role.
- Major life changes - Moves, job
changes, deaths prompt reevaluating priorities.
The key is involving everyone in
the family at whatever stage you're at currently. Your statement will evolve
over time.
How do you make sure your family lives out your mission statement?
To ensure your family lives out
your mission statement values:
- Display it prominently so it
stays top of mind
- Discuss it together and clarify
what it looks like in action
- Reference it when making big
decisions - does this align?
- Note which aspects you're doing
well at and which need more focus
- Allow it to guide discussions
when conflicts come up
- Share it with extended family
to expand the ripple effect
- Periodically assess how well
you are living the statement and make any needed adjustments
The mission statement shouldn't
just be words on paper - it should be visible, discussed, and embedded into
your family's everyday life and interactions.
What are fun ways to reinforce your family mission statement?
Some fun ideas:
- Turn it into a song or rap to
memorize together
- Create a piece of art depicting
it for your wall
- Make it into a family motto to
recite together
- Get t-shirts or bracelets made
with your statement quote
- Have each person share what a
certain value or phrase means to them
- Act out skits showing your
mission statement in action
- Write it on notes and leave
hidden around the house to find
- Incorporate it into your family
traditions and celebrations
Getting creative makes the
mission statement engaging, especially for kids. Find ways to infuse it
naturally into your family culture.
How can you involve extended family in your mission statement?
Great ways to share your mission
statement with extended family:
- Send it via email or text and
explain the meaning behind it
- Frame a copy as a gift to
grandparents or godparents
- Discuss it at a family
gathering or holiday meal
- Ask them to provide input based
on their family experiences
- Clarify how certain values
apply broadly to your whole clan
- Ask them to share any mission
statement insights from their families
- See if they want to create
their own family mission statement
Involving extended family
amplifies the sense of meaning and community. It sparks rich dialogue between
generations about shared values and purposes.
Is it important to review your family mission statement over time?
Yes, definitely review your
mission statement periodically! Family needs and goals evolve as kids grow
older and life situations change. Annually revisiting it ensures it stays
meaningful. Ask:
- Does this still represent our
family's values & vision?
- Do we need to tweak or add any
words or goals?
- Have any priorities shifted
that should be reflected?
- What new traditions or
activities exemplify our mission?
- Does this still inspire us the
way it once did?
Revisions renew everyone's sense
of ownership. It becomes an evolving, living document rather than static words.