Dr. Clare is on a mission to help others to have happy, healthy families.

Creating a family mission statement was the focus of this session.

What is a family mission statement?  A family mission statement is a short, written statement of purpose. 

The mission statement provides information about the core values of the family and how family members are expected to interact.

Seven (7)  core values were offered for consideration:

1) Faith - Do you as a family believe in a higher power?  If so, how do you worship or show respect to your creator.

2) Purpose - What is the purpose of your family? Why was your family formed?

3) Self Determination - Each individual in a family has a purpose.  How do your family members provide support and encouragement to individual members of the family?

4) Unity - A family is a unit.  How does your family express unity and support of one another.  In many cultures, it is believed that the whole is greater than it's parts. What are the beliefs of your family and how are they to be expressed?

5) Collective Work & Responsibility - Within a family unit - work is accomplished.  How is the work of the family accomplished by your family?

6) Cooperative Economics - How is money earned and spent within your family system?

7) Creativity - How do the members of your family create and have fun?

It is important to discuss the core values of your family.  The development of the core values must begin with the parent(s).  Parents set the example or role model for their children.  Once the core values are established - the parents can choose (as age dictates) to refine the value system with the help of the children.  The parent(s) make the final decisions and set the standards for the family.

Be certain to record the family misison statement.  The recording can be on a piece of paper, audio tape or video tape.  The important thing is that you must be3 able to go back to reference the core value statements.  A weekly family meeting time is advised since it provides an opportunity for check in and keeping the channels of communication open.

I want to know if this information was helpful to you.  Contact me to share your thoughts and opinions.  I want to serve as a facilitator of discussion.  Also, I want cross-pollination.  It is important for others to learn your perspectives.  Please comment!