If you were going to build a house, you wouldn’t just grab a bunch of random materials and start throwing them together without a plan. You would need a blueprint.

A family mission statement is the blueprint for how you want to build the family of your dreams. Devising this blueprint will set your family on a course to achieve the vision that you hold. It serves to define your family’s morals, beliefs, values, and goals. More than a list of idealistic goals, a good family mission statement includes detailed action plans to help everyone succeed.

A good family mission statement:

• Defines your family culture.
• Gives your family a shared identity.
• Is a teaching tool to use in times of correction and discipline because it serves as a code of conduct.
• Outlines your goals and values.
• Motivates family members.
• Gives everyone in the family a voice.
• Builds solidarity.
• Encourages family members to evaluate their beliefs and goals.
• Includes detailed action plans.
• Is the beginning of your family legacy.

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