Family Values Hold Us Together

paige-cody-bOVZ_f3fbQM-unsplash.jpg

Does your family know yours?

Be OVERT

Write them down, display them, discuss, teach and talk about your values.

Be CLEAR

What do the behaviors that go with your values look like, sound like and feel like?

Categories and ideas for selecting values

Recreational values refer to anything that involves fun and play. Recreation is important in the family because it fosters closeness in the family, opportunities for learning, creating memories, improving social skills, and developing empathy. Examples:

  • Provide unstructured play time

  • Have family game nights

  • Allow and encourage each family member to pursue interests

  • Take vacations together

  • Spend time together playing

Social Values consist of things like peace, justice, freedom, equality, and bettering our community. Examples:

  • Stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves

  • Be respectful and courteous in your interactions

  • Volunteer time and skills in the community

  • Be generous with what you have

Political Values. Although being a liberal, conservative, or moderate may determine your opinion on how the government should run and what laws should be enacted, there are certain political values that remain constant across political parties. American values often include: 

  • Capitalism and private ownership of property

  • Patriotism

  • Treat everyone equally, regardless of ethnicity, race, religion, or sexual orientation

  • Follow the law and respect those who enforce it

  • Work hard for success

Work values include your philosophies about work, finances, and how you spend your money. For children, these values include how they approach school and their education. Example:

  • Always do your best work

  • Save a portion of your salary/allowance

  • Find opportunities to express your ideas and creativity

  • Be proud of achievements

  • Make learning a priority

  • Treating co-workers, fellow students, customers, and authority figures the way that you want to be treated

 Moral values are your individual values about what you think is right and wrong. Moral values provide the foundation from which you make decisions. Examples:

  • Be honest and trustworthy

  • Be courageous

  • Stick with things

  • Add value to the world

  • Take personal responsibility

Religious values center around the expectations  based on the beliefs of their faith. Although each faith has its beliefs, there are common values that many faiths tend to share. Examples:

  • Show compassion for  those in need.

  • Continually learn & grow both spiritually and intellectually

  • Be modest in your relations with others

  • Be respectful and nonviolent when interacting with others

  • Follow the guidelines of religion 

Cami Eiskamp