Family Culture

In today's society we put a lot of value on the social class of an individual or a family. We define this family's social class by wealth, what neighborhood the live in, the size of their house and car, their last name, the clothes they wear, their circle of friends, where they shop, and their occupations. Unfortunately, sometimes it is by these materialistic things that we define the overall success of the family. But I would like to offer another option. The culture that we develop in our families is much more important than supposed social class that we have within our communities.



Families come from all different cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds with different beliefs, practices and traditions. Each culture's practices do not satisfy everyone, but each culture has something to offer it's members. While countries and groups of people have their own culture, each family unit should develop their own family culture. In my Parenting class this semester, we are talking about family mission statements. I may have heard of this concept once or twice before, but I had never put much thought into it. We've been challenged to create our own family mission statement, so I have had to reflect on what I want for my future family. What kind of culture would help my family grow and reach their full potential? I would challenge everyone to think about their own family culture and think about creating a family mission statement.

Here is my first attempt at creating a family mission statement. Good luck with yours!

The Wheelock Family Mission Statement

Our family will foster an environment “…founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ…” and practice the “principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work and wholesome recreational activities.” We desire to reach our full potential as followers of Christ both as individuals and as a family. We promise ourselves and especially the Lord that we will live by these standards and the following goals we have set forth.

Faith

·         We will put the Lord as the number one priority in our lives

·         We will attend all of our meetings together in all appropriate situations

·         We will hold daily family prayer, scripture study and weekly family home evening

·         Parents (and children of age) will attend the temple at least once a month

Family Relationships

·         We will eat dinner together every night

·         We will support each in one another’s activities

·         We will meet each night as a family before prayer to regroup

Fitness and Health

·         The entire family, all together, will engage in at least two monthly cardio activities of the family’s choosing

·         We will keep one another accountable in eating a balanced diet by trying new foods and creating a weekly grocery list together

Finance

·         All members will pay an honest tithe and donate a generous fast offering

·         Parents will save 10% of paycheck (towards missions, college, vacations, etc.)

·         Parents will create a family budget and follow it!

·         We will spend to meet the needs of the family and discuss spending money on our “wants” as a family