With an ever-changing world view of family
and family values, it has become more evident that one cap does not fit all. Although
the term “family values” has
become a popular phrase in recent years, understanding what makes the
ideal family and family values can appear elusive for some when you take into
consideration the amount of disfunction circulated in the media.
That said
no matter your definition of family, a set of family values provides a code of
conduct and a moral compass by which all parties concerned learn to abide by
and thrive. These family beliefs define what you as a family think is important
and what is good. They help teach your children the difference between right
and wrong. They are specific to your family life and there’s no definitive
right or wrong.
Many families will have family values
that have been passed down from generation to generation. Many would have
withstood the passage of time and others discarded or adapted over time to meet
the family needs. Whether or not you’ve been blessed to have been handed down a
set of family values that work for you and yours it’s never too late to start.
If you’re yet to go through the exercise of setting out your family values, let
me say that the benefits far outweigh the perceived overwhelm of the task. To
start, you can call a family meeting and gather input from everyone in your family
about what’s important, what should be prioritised and what your family should
be known for.
Our
family values help us shape our own personal values and morals which in turn
helps define who we are individually, as a family, community and how we make
our way in society. As parents consistently demonstrate the importance
of family values in their everyday lives not just by what they say but what
they do.
Children
by default inherit the code of conduct and a moral compass to express
themselves, to grow from their mistakes, to problem solve and to develop all
the abilities and skills that help them become productive members of the family,
community and wider society.
As we look at all the challenges, we face in society today
can we afford not to take the time to build strong and meaningful family values? Today act intentionally and have the conversations that will help build
stronger family values making this world a better place one family at a time.
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