While I've always been aware of the
importance of having a personal mission statement, I was unaware of just how
important it is to create a family mission statement. After all, how could
several people with conflicting needs and interests all want the same thing?
Having a family mission statement is
not only possible, but vitally important. The family is under attack like never
before. The media, popular culture, lack of time, the rising divorce rate and
even economic instability are all destroying families. Families seem to lack a
sense of purpose and direction that makes life meaningful and gives children
(and parents) a sense of identity. It also provides each individual within the
family a wonderful sense of belonging to something greater than him or herself.
I learned of the importance of having a family mission statement in "The 7
Habits of Highly Effective Families" and also in "The Family
Manager's Guide For Working Moms"
Creating a family mission statement
starts with you first. It requires quite a bit of thought and is best completed
over several days. To help you get started, get a pen and a blank sheet of
paper and answer the following questions.
1. Why does my family exist?
2. What values do I want to instill
in my children?
3. What is my role and purpose as a
Mother/Father?
4. What would I like my family to
say about me when I die?
5. What sort of atmosphere do I want
our home to have?
6. What part do I want religion and
spirituality to play in our life?
Use these questions to create a
framework for your mission statement.
Once you've done that set up a
family meeting and share you're the questions and answers with them. Ask for
their input. What do they feel is important? You may need to work on the this
for several family meetings before everyone agrees on it.
Try not to have a mission statement
that is too long. You want all family members to be able to memorize it and to
truly internalize it and most importantly, to live it each and every day.
Mine is "The Averio family is dedicated to developing
the full potential within each member. God is at the center of our home and at
the heart of any decisions we make and actions we take. We value kindness,
love, truthfulness, hard work and persistence. We strive to make our home a
haven and a refuge, where we can rest, recharge and spend time together. Each
day we strive to create wonderful memories that will last for a lifetime."
Your family mission statement will
probably be different from mine, but it must reflect what is truly important to
you in order for it to be effective.
Go ahead and spend some time
creating a family mission statement. The happiness and well-being of your family
depend on it.
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