January 2009- a great time to re-evaluate, re-focus, and re-charge. You may be a goal setter, a list maker, a resolution keeper and a vision setter. But how do you decide on goals for your family? Having a family mission statement is a great way to remind you of the values you hold as a family and it helps you focus on meeting your goals.
Depending on the age of your children, everyone can be involved in writing your mission statement. Everyone should feel he/she has ownership in the statement. Mom and Dad may want to talk first about what the mission statement is and why you feel it is important for your family.
Think first about what your family values. Respect for family members may be at the top of your list. Incorporating that into your family mission statement will help guide behavior for your family. For example, "Because we respect one another, you should not call your brother a name." If you value education, you may have a rule that homework must be done before anyone can watch television.
Keep the statement short. The values you include will guide the application of your mission statement. You don't want this to be a list of rules, you want it to guide all behavior and practices in your family.
Write the statement down. You may want to have everyone sign it. Or post it on your family blog. I hope to evenutally have ours written out in caligraphy and framed.
Use your mission statement. Next time you set goals for your family, remind everyone of the mission statement. When a decision has to be made, refer back to your purpose.
Family mission statements are a great way to involve the entire family in deciding on core values and a purpose for your family!
Sandra Peoples blogs at Celebrate Everyday and at Today's Housewife with friends.
image: "Writers Block"
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Great idea! This is a wonderful tool for being intentional in our relationships with family too.