Do you ever feel like your family is a little bit all over the place? Amongst the busyness of life, it’s normal to feel like everyone is pulling in different directions without a sense of unity or purpose. Creating a family mission statement may be just what you need to bring everyone together and create a sense of direction for your household.
Here at Mission Academy, we believe children of all ages can benefit from feeling like they are a part of something bigger than themselves. If you want a clear idea of where your family is going this year, read this article to learn about the importance of family mission statements and how to get started.
What is a Family Mission Statement?
A family mission statement is a statement that outlines the values and goals that are important to your family. It’s kind of like a roadmap for your family, with a clear destination in mind. Similar to any good roadmap, it’ll ensure you’re all heading in the same direction, and you’ll be able to enjoy the journey along the way.
Now, you might be thinking, “But wait, my family is already on the same page. Why do we need a mission statement?” Regardless of your situation, a mission statement can be beneficial for a variety of reasons! It can help to establish shared values and goals, promote open communication, and provide a sense of direction and purpose for all members of the family. It can also help to strengthen family bonds and create a sense of unity.
How to Create a Family Mission Statement
1. Gather for a Family Meeting
Before you start writing, you need to gather all family members together and discuss the values and goals important to each person. This is a great opportunity for everyone to express their thoughts, and for parents to listen to their children.
It’s also a great chance for everyone to get to know each other better and understand where each person is coming from. Write down a list of questions to ask your family prior to the meeting if you want to keep everyone on task.
Here are a few examples of questions you can ask:
● What is the purpose of our family?
● What kind of things do we want to do?
● What do we want people to feel when they meet our family?
● What embarrasses you about our family?
● What are the responsibilities of family members?
● What are the principles we live by?
● Who inspires us as a family?
● What are the unique gifts and talents of our family?
● How do we want to be remembered?
● What makes us special?
● What are things that are important to us?
● What makes you want to come home?
2. Write Down All Your Values and Goals
After the conversation, write down all of the values and goals that are identified during the conversation. This can be a fun exercise for the whole family and a great way to get everyone involved. Some examples of values could be honesty, integrity, compassion, education, humor, discipline, respect, service, and kindness. Some examples of family goals could include spending more time together, giving back to the community, and having free electronic Sunday afternoons.
3. Review and Prioritize
Once you’ve got a list of values and goals, it’s time to review and prioritize them. Which values and goals are most important to your family? Which ones do you all agree on? Put a star next to the values that keep showing up in your conversation. Make sure to allow your kids to input a few key values that are specifically important to them.
4. Write a Draft
Now that you’ve got a list of priorities, it’s time to start writing the draft of your mission statement. Incorporate the most important values and goals into the statement, and make sure it’s something that everyone is happy with. It’s important to remember that a family mission statement is a living document, and it’s okay to make adjustments as the family evolves.
There is no one way to write a family mission statement. Some families may write a short essay, whereas others will make a list of bullet points. Go with the flow of what works best for you and your family’s creative process.
Here is an example of a family mission statement taken from the book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families:
“Our family mission is to: Value honesty with ourselves and others. Create an environment where each of us can find support and encouragement in achieving our life’s goals. Respect and accept each person’s unique personality and talents. Promote a loving, kind, and happy atmosphere. Support family endeavors that better society. Maintain patience through understanding. Always resolve conflicts with each other rather than harboring anger. Promote the realization of life’s treasures.”
5. Display Your Mission Statement
Once you’ve got a final version, it’s time to display it in a prominent place in the home, like on the fridge or on the family bulletin board. This way, everyone can refer to it regularly as a reminder of the family’s shared values and goals.
The Takeaway
In conclusion, creating a family mission statement is a great way to unite your family and establish shared values and goals. It’s a fun and engaging process that the whole family can participate in, and it will provide a sense of direction and purpose for your household. We encourage you to give it a try and see the difference it can make in your family!
