Family values involve principles of how you want to live your family life. They can be a guide for our behaviour in challenging situations, help make good choices and deepen the bond of the family.
Defining family values together could be a great bonding ritual and navigation aid for life. Below are some steps to help you develop a list that works for your family
Step 1: Initiate the topic with your family. To effectively define and inculcate family values, the first step is to discuss this topic with your partner, children and other key members of the family. Even if your children are young, their contribution could be very valuable. When you initiate the topic, ask them to make a list of their personal values over the next 1-2 weeks. Agree on the time you will meet again to discuss this.
Step 2: Share your respective personal values lists. Sit down as a family and discuss the list of each of your personal values. As a family, this is a great opportunity for you to get to know what matters to each of you as an individual.
Step 3: Discuss and pick common values. It helps to list down all the values that were shared and prioritise them. Of these, pick 3-5 values that are important to all of you.
Step 4: Finalise the values. Once you have discussed common values and spent quality time together, you would be in a good place to finalise the values that you all as a family have chosen to practice and live by.
Step 5: Make the values visible. It helps to put up artwork of value on a wall or as a screensaver to ensure that you can integrate your family values daily.
Your family values can be changed at any time. The goal is to be inclusive and define values that work for all family members. Living by common family values is a great way to stay connected, know each other deeply and have shared experiences that can help you thrive as a family.
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