Does parenting feel like an aimless journey? Use these five points to foster intentionality in your family.

Talking Points:

  • Mission answers the question, “Why do we exist?” As parents, we need to be clear about our main job. What is our real goal as parents? Try to articulate it in a sentence or two.
  • Values answer the question, “What do we care about?” What are the values that you want to transfer to your kids?
  • Vision answers the question, “Where are we going?” What do you envision for your kids 3, 5, or 10 years down the road?
  • Strategy answers the question, “How will we get there?” It’s one thing to have a mission statement and values on a plaque on the wall, but without a clear strategy for how it’s going to happen, it’s all talk.
  • Culture answers the question, “How do we actually do things?” Your culture is about the real-life habits in your home.
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. What was the mission of your family growing up? What were your values? Did you have a strategy for being a healthy family? Explain.
  3. What are your top five values that you would like to pass on to your children? Why are these the most important?
  4. Where would you like your family to be in five years? How does this reflect your values?
  5. How do you plan to achieve your vision? How do you think this will influence your children? Come up with two specific tactics.
  6. How does your family culture align with your values you listed in question 4? How can you change your lifestyle to more closely match your values?
  7. Download the 5-Point Clarity Worksheet and fill it out with a spouse, mentor or small group.
  8. Of the 5 points of clarity, which one do you believe will be the hardest for you? Explain.
  9. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?