Explaining What a Vision Statement is to Young Children

How Are You Planting Seeds That Your Kids Will Understand?

Imagine standing in your backyard with your children, seeds in hand, ready to plant a garden. You talk about what the garden will look like when it’s full of blooming flowers, ripe vegetables, or maybe a shady tree. Your kids’ eyes light up as they imagine the possibilities. They might even ask, "How long until it grows?" or "What will it look like?". 

This is a lot like explaining a vision statement to your kids. A vision statement is the “big picture” for your family, a declaration or statement that continuously points your family in the same direction, no matter the weather. Just as you wouldn’t plant seeds without explaining to your children what to expect, taking the time to explain your family vision is essential for them to understand and share in the excitement. 

Here’s how to have those conversations, and why it even matters.

How to Explain Vision Statements to Kids

Here’s where the fun begins. Explaining something as big as a vision statement doesn’t have to feel like a lecture. Tailor your approach to their age and interests, and let creativity lead the way.

For Young Kids (Ages 3–7): Keep It Simple and Fun

Younger children love stories and visuals. Explain your vision statement using these examples: 

• Storytime: Say your vision is “to shine God’s light in the world.” You could tell a story about a flashlight. “Our family is like a flashlight! When we stay close to God, we shine bright and help others see His love.”
• Activity: Create a poster together. Draw pictures that represent your family’s vision - hearts for love, a cross for faith, or hands for serving. Hang it where they can see it every day and talk about it together.

For Young Teens (Ages 8–12): Connect to Their Interests

Young pre-teens are curious and love asking “why.” Break down your vision statement in ways that relate to their world: 

• Conversation Starter: If your vision is “to grow in faith and kindness,” ask, “What do you think kindness looks like at school? How can we show kindness as a family?”
• Interactive Idea: Make a family “mission/vision map.” Write your vision in the center, and brainstorm ways to live it out. For example, helping a classmate, praying before school drop off, or inviting some friends to church.

For Teens (Ages 13+): Dive Deeper into Purpose

Teens crave independence but still need guidance. Share your vision in a way that invites discussion and gives them ownership.

• Discuss the “Why”: Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think God’s purpose is for our family? How does our vision fit into that? And how do you want to contribute to that?”
• Empower Them: If your vision includes servant-leadership, encourage your teen to volunteer in their local youth group, or if they’re involved in sports, Fellowship of Christian Athletes in their school is a perfect opportunity. 

Once you’ve navigated the appropriate conversation to have with your kid(s), explore a couple of practical ways to implement your family vision statement together here. 

Why a Vision Statement Matters

A family vision solidifies your home in purpose and helps your children to understand the "why" behind shared values like prayer and kindness (Proverbs 22:6). It inspires teamwork by showing kids how their actions contribute to goals like “serving others through Christ’s love.”

In tough times, a vision offers stability. Reminding them, “Our family trusts God no matter what,” builds resilience and reassures them they’re part of a faith-filled family.

Related Tools, Tips and Tricks

We have an entire library of blogs, worksheets, guides and conversation starters related to your vision and so much more! There you’ll find ways to talk through, walk through and live through other areas of life with your kids.