Family values are making a comeback.

And I’m not talking about religious or political beliefs. I’m talking about the immaterial things our families value. With the way the world is changing, it’s almost certain that we will be looking to establish better connections with people. Part of this means taking a look at our family values.

Our values are not much different today than they were in decades past. Families are still teaching kindness, compassion, honesty and respect, but many of us are on auto-pilot. It is so important that we take time and intentionally focus on teaching values. Clear values create a strong foundation for the family and the benefits extend beyond the family into society.

What can you be modeling and teaching?

• Love
• Joy
• Kindness
• Understanding
• Committment
• Good Judgement
• Visualization/Imagination
• Patience
• Honesty
• Responsibility
• Courage
• Respect (for self and others)
• Faith
• Generosity

I’m sure there are many other good qualities you want to teach your children, but this is a good start.

Take Action Exercise

Time to do some writing! Grab a pen and paper. Take a minute and think about what values you’re teaching your children. For example:

I make a point of being honest and make sure my children see my actions.

I treat my children with the respect they deserve and they respect me.

I manage my money well and strive to send positive messages to my children regarding wealth.

Let’s take it one step further. What are some things you value that you want to pass on to your children? For example:

I want my children to value the spirit of every person.

I want my children to know their worth.

I want my children to be strong, yet compassionate.

I want my children to know that life is meant to be fun!

Knowing what values you want to pass on to your children will give you a chance to see if you’re modeling that behavior. It’s important to be the lesson you want to teach.

After Values Comes Vision

Have you created a family vision? If you were to asked to describe your idea of blissful family life, how would you describe it? It is important to have your own vision as well as a vision that your whole family can maintain.

Once you have a vision for your family, it’s time to map out the steps you will take to obtain that vision. Brainstorm family goals. Take the time to freewrite, getting everything that comes to mind down on paper.

Keep in mind the S.M.A.R.T. method of goal setting. Your goals should be:

Specific

Measurable

Attainable

Realistic (but anything is possible!)

Timely

Now that you have some goals set, get together with your family and agree on a family goal. This will create a sense of unity, as well as plenty of energy that will assist in achieving your goal.

Wow! You’ve made some real progress here. After completing the previous steps, you’re now ready to set your family mission. A family mission statement gives you and the members of your family clarity and purpose. Decision-making is easier when you have a clear family mission.

The Importance of Family Values

What are you teaching? Are you teaching kindness? Compassion? Honesty? Good money management? What do you want to teach? Knowing the answers to these questions is so important in creating a healthy family.

The values of families around the world are taking center stage. Your family’s values are imperative to the growth and unity of your family. As you refine what your family values, your family mission will become clearer. And remember, as you grow and develop, your family will too.