What Do You Value?

Family values provide a sense of belonging, meaning, and common purpose. Exploring what you and your family feels are important; it can create a sense of unity among family members and make for stronger ties when family members are away.

The theme for this year’s National Family Week (October 3-9) is –

Turning Your Family’s Values into Action

So, how can we act on our values and align our daily lives with what matters? 

• Begin with a conversation among family members about what matters to them. Conversation starters may be:
• If you were stranded on a desert island what would you want to have with you?
• What makes a good friend? 
• What cause or issue would you stand up for? 
• Provide everyone a chance to contribute to the dialogue and keep the lines of communication open. 
• Be open to bringing several viewpoints together to reflect what matters to everyone. 
• Brainstorm small ways that you and your family can act on your values. 
• Valuing health may mean taking a 20-minute family walk twice a week.
• Valuing thoughtfulness may mean sending notes of encouragement in lunch boxes and briefcases.
• Valuing life-long learning may mean tutoring younger students or visiting the local library. 
• Then, go out and act on some of the brainstormed ideas.  

Considering family values and acting on them could be as simple as rearranging priorities. Examine where you spend your time and look at whether your list of values is reflected in your time log. You may find that finishing the laundry can wait, but spending time with family cannot. Or you may find that watching another show during the week does not align with your values, but donating that time to a worthy cause does. 

Talking about what matters is a great way to keep perspective and live your life with purpose.

For more information go to the Family Resource Programs of Canada website.

Submitted by: Amanda Turner