If you want to build a strong family culture, it starts with the foundation of the family habits you lay. Since culture is made up of the identity and behaviors as a family, your daily family habits play an important role in reinforcing the tone of your culture. To get started on this journey, here are 7 easy habits you can implement as a family to build a strong culture:
- Family Learning Habit
It’s often overlooked but a family that is regularly learning together will grow deeper connections. It could be reading a book together, picking a new skill to learn, studying the Bible, etc. Pick habits to learn and grow further.
- Family Acts of Service Habit
A family that is others-centered will have a strong culture, so the habit of serving together is beneficial to add. Have a regular time to volunteer, set routines of how you serve each other, serve your community with skills you have, etc.
- Family Check-In Habit
One of the most powerful but simple habits is the check-in practice. Have one or two simple questions that you ask weekly (or the timing that makes the most sense for your family’s season) to stay connected to what is going on and to provide a space for your family members to share what’s on their hearts.
- Family Mission, Vision, and Values Habit
Repetition will always make the difference in your family culture, so set the habit to repeat your family mission, vision, and values. Maybe it’s shared every Sunday or at mealtimes. Repeat it and discuss it.
- Family Gratitude Habit
When your family can actively acknowledge the good in their lives and where God is working, it helps set the tone for your family culture. Build a habit to practice sharing gratitude regularly. Maybe it is a daily text where people respond or something you each share at bedtime.
- Family Values Evaluation Habit
Instill a habit to ask how actions you took aligned with your family’s values. This family habit not only helps repeat values, but it makes you more intentional in evaluating the application of values and being aware of actions.
- Family Affirmations Habit
To continue to practice the behaviors that you want to define your family’s culture, build the habit of affirmation. Give everyone responsibility to share encouragement and positive things they notice. Whether shared via text, at family meetings, or in daily life, make this a continual habit.
Implement Family Habits for Success
Both the good part and challenging part of family habits is that they take time. Meet with your family to decide on core habits you want to try, and decide on the accountability structures needed. Will you check in monthly about how it is going and what to adjust, or what is the right timing? If you want to dive into more specific ideas on family habits examples, finish reading our guide here!