Making it Happen

The big question is “HOW?”

How do we implement the mission and vision statement, the family values,  the team spirit, the interdependence, and the end to sibling rivalry? Well first, we need to remember that this is a process. It takes time. You won’t see this happen overnight, but if you stick with it, you will find that it becomes who you are and you will see the fruit of it.

First, pray. It’s that simple. God has put this in your heart to begin with; He will be faithful to complete it in you if you will commit it to Him.

Have a kickoff party to introduce this new information to them.  We went to six flags and stayed overnight in a hotel. We told them we had some big news for them and shared it while we were there. They were very excited. You could have a pool party or cake and ice cream. Maybe you could put your vision statement on your cake. Just do something memorable that will illustrate how serious you are about this.

We introduced the idea of “team captain” with a letter to our daughter. We still want to get a baton as a symbol of her responsibilities.

We also discussed infighting and that we were bumping up the discipline if they purposely annoyed or belittled their siblings. We taught them our mission and vision statement and started on a cheer. We still have to revisit that one.

Another idea is to have a review weekend where you and your spouse go away every year and evaluate your progress and reignite the passion to begin again where you have dropped the ball.

Be sure to pick a night for family night. Remember, building your team spirit is only going to be accomplished by spending quality time together. Begin immediately on this one even if you haven’t created your mission statement yet.

Think about designing T-shirts for your family that have something on them that is meaningful like your vision or mission or family Coat of Arms. We intend to do this in a few months.

You could choose colors for your family that represent your most treasured values and design a flag, then hang it outside of your home.

You could have an Annual Family Vision Feast, even week long feasts that make this idea very special to your kids. At the dinner table, you discuss where you have fallen behind, where you desire to be and ways to get you there. Let them be involved in creative ideas to make your family more attractive to each other. Discuss your new focus for the year. Check your values, are you falling behind? Maybe the value of generosity is on your list, but you find your family has been self focused this past year. You could all commit to give more this new year. This event can eventually become your family reunions as your children grow up and have families of their own.

Whatever you do, and the options are countless, be sure to do it strong. There is no better message to give your children than the one that says, “We are committed to each other forever!”

What are some ways you keep your family focused on being a team?

NEXT UP: GOAL SETTING