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Take a few minutes every day to check in with yourself. At the end of each day, you can ask yourself questions. Try thinking, "How did my actions today relate to Value #1? How about Value #2?" This will only take a few minutes of your time, but can be very helpful in keeping your values front and center. Ask all of the members of your family to adopt this habit. Once you have a mission statement that is easily accessible, it will be easy for everyone to reference the list of values on a daily basis. You can do this by making sure to spend quality time together. The more time that you spend together, the more shared experiences you will have as a family. Spending quality time with each other will allow you to get to know one another better. This will help you figure out what matters most to each of you individually, and as a family. Schedule time for the whole family to spend together. It can be as simple as eating dinner together, or something like devoting a whole Saturday to family activities. Let each member of the family have input in your activities. For example, if your daughter loves to exercise, try taking a hike together. Your values are an important part of your decision-making process. Keep your family values in mind before making any big life choices. For example, if a family value is education, make sure to live in an area with good schools. Make life choices part of a family discussion. Before major changes are made, call a family meeting to discuss how the potential change aligns with your family values. The best way to integrate your family values into your daily life is to make sure that your actions reflect those values. Make sure that the choices you make are in line with what you consider to be your most important family values. If your number one family value is honesty, make sure that you are candid and truthful. Apply this value to your work life and your social life. Modeling is the best way to help children learn values. For example, if you value respect, show your kids how to be respectful by always addressing other people with consideration. Values are important because they can help determine your choices and your actions. When you are thinking about family values, it is useful to also consider your family goals. Your values will likely play a big role in how you go about accomplishing those goals. Is learning one of your family values? Think about translating that into a concrete goal. Think about the steps you can take to focus on learning as a family. For example, you could all learn a new language together or take a cooking class. This will integrate your family values and goals. If financial responsibility is a family value, you could use that guiding principle to make sure that each family member understands the importance of sticking to a budget. That way, you can accomplish family goals of saving for retirement, college, etc.
Think of your values daily. Stay connected as a family. Make positive life choices. Model your values. Use family values to work on family goals.