All About Family Values

Each family has a unique set of values that bind the members together and give them a common reference point. These values often come from traditions started generations before and can encompass a person's ethnic heritage, religion, or political viewpoints.

Creating Culturally Based Family Values

Different cultures value varying ideals, traditions, and ideologies. Dive into the world around you and discover what people from other backgrounds consider strong family values. You might decide to work some of these values into your own family's value system. For example, research Chinese value systems for families and learn about the centrality of the family structure in this culture. Take a look at American family values and see what inspires you. Take a pseudo-tour of Mexico via the country's value system. Work in qualities that Brazilian families, Greek families or German families hold dear, and before you know it, your own family culture will reflect a unique value system inspired by the people of the world.

Consider Unique Family Dynamics

Families come in so many shapes and sizes. No two are alike, and every family has its own personalized family system based on what is most important to them. Depending on your family makeup, your values might look vastly different compared to the family next door. Blended families sometimes face problems that traditional families do not, because two very different sets of family values must mesh together. Learn how to solve the challenges that blended families must overcome. Single-parent families might also do things differently, and even if you don't personally fit this family structure, it is worth educating yourself on the dynamics of single-parent families.

When children grow up, the family dynamics once again shift, and values that were once important to a family might change in nature. Parents facing empty nest syndrome might discover their family values altered now that the kids no longer reside under their roof. Another interesting family dynamic that results in unique value systems is that of multigenerational families. These families have to navigate several generations, with different beliefs and ideals, all living under a single roof. Religion can also impact family values. Families belonging to one religion may practice family values that are completely foreign to a family of a different religion. People's unique family situations and makeups mold the values that they believe in and practice.

Make a Plan to Establish Your Family Values

Once you have a firm understanding of what makes up a family's values, you may want to develop a plan of action to make sure your children understand your values and adopt firm ideals. There are tons of ways to create activities for families to practice their values together. You can create a family motto that you can fall back on during uncertain or difficult times. Be sure to have some family pictures snapped to go along with your well-thought-out motto. Consider writing a family constitution to create consistency and accountability in the family. Get cute family quotes that reflect your values and post them around the house to inspire everyone in the household. Throughout the process of planning and creating activities that highlight your family's values, remember to practice good communication so everyone feels cared about and heard. If your family struggles in the communication department, look into ways families can communicate more effectively and decide to make kind and loving communication part of your value system.

Enhance Family Values by Spending Quality Time Together

Building a family based on values and strong bonds takes effort and plenty of quality face-to-face time with loved ones. Choose family activities that speak to your family's value system and help everyone grow together. Bond with your family through fun and engaging activities, like creating meals together and dining as a family. Take a weekend and demonstrate to your children how to volunteer their time to causes that are dear to you. Get the gang involved in community organizations that benefit the greater good if that activity reflects your value system. Even getting children to help with family chores is an excellent means to teach them how to better understand that they are part of a whole.

Celebrate Common Threads

When it comes to determining the values that are important to your family, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Read through the information, reflect on it, jot down some notes, and then have a family meeting to decide what values your family cherishes or should develop as a team.