Every company I have ever worked for and every affiliation I have been associated with has a mission statement and core vales for which they stand. They are simple to remember yet stand for something not easy to attain yet require true commitment and dedication.

Mission statements explain an “organization’s purpose and direction.” They keep the “group or the team” with concise and motivating vision for the future. (and they keep the teammates inspired to be a part)

Core values guide behavior and choice. They help with making decisions and being true to self. 

If one is true to the statement and value, then the culture within the company is forward moving and focused (and happy I might add because all have a part of making it so)

Why should families not have the same thing?

I just finished reading a blog, “Three Core Values to Teach Your Kids” by Pam Farrell, and this is exactly what her family did. They had ONLY THREE (to keep it simple) Core values they wanted their kids to embody and embrace and each is supported by scripture. These were prayed over since their children were infants.

These are what they chose:

• Learners. Those who want to compete in life so they are willing to do the hard work to learn and become excellent.
• Leaders: In their sphere of influence using their own unique leadership style we desire they be difference makers that lead rather than follow the crowd.
• Love God: We want them to own their own faith and walk out their own personal relationship with God.

Annually they had a “Learner and Leader” Day to negotiate privileges and responsibilities, pick a trait to work on  and celebrate what they had accomplished. On that day they also had a contract for each child with a verse and a trait. This way they knew what the family stood for!

They created a “family crest” to visually represent these values. I love his she says that she wanted “the source of all their hopes, dreams and desires to come from God’s heart. We believe if a child, tween or teen develops a vibrant relationship with God, it will be easier for him or her to sense where God what life path God created for them to walk.” 

I am now an a path to create this before the new year. This is what Pam says to do: “What do you want your family to be known for? What are your core values, those 3-4 traits you want your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to possess? See if you can draw a moniker, a crest, filled with symbols to explain the values you cherish most. Then select a verse, just a few words to use as a motto. Print it, post it and pray it to keep centered on the things that matter most in life!”

The three she chose speak to me, but I’m not settled on ours yet. This will require a heart check and lots of prayer. I want this to be Tatum’s pride and joy…..her family.