What are your goals for your Family?

A few years ago, I read what has now become one of my favorite parenting books. The book stated that we should clearly define “our” goals for our families. Unfortunately, I wished that I had read the book a year earlier… Before my ex-husband and I had decided to divorce. I thought about how useful it might have been, had we actually taken a little time to make a simple list of what we wanted for our family.

Now, three years later my daughter and I have a “clearly defined list” of what our family goals are. It is a short list that resides on our fridge, to serve as a constant reminder of what is important to us. For anyone who has gone through the pain, loss and disappointment of divorce. You understand how difficult it is to figure out how to rebuild your life. Its ironic that this simple list has helped us to stay focused on our family goals.

Our goals are simple but what they signify is massive! We try to live our lives each day with our goals in mind, each step of the way! Some days are easier then others, but as long as we make an effort that’s all that matters! Our love for life and each other makes all of the blood, sweat and tears worth while!

Each day holds at least 20 distractions that can easily knock you off of your “A” game. But, when you remind yourself of what is really important… It is much easier to remind yourself to focus on what matters instead of spending precious time focused on what doesn’t matter!

As someone who has had to rebuild their live from “ground zero”, I understand how overwhelming life can be. However, I have seen first hand how “setting family goals” can enrich your family beyond recognition! Take an hour out of one day and have a family meeting (weekly, bimonthly or monthly, what ever works best for your family). Create a list that is representative of every one (in the family) and watch what happens next! Please remember that it only takes two to make a family.

If your child is too young to voice his/her opinion, still make family goals. It will serve as a blueprint to follow now and in the future. Actually, the truth is that the goals can and will change as the family grows and progresses with each passing year. Various dynamics and milestones will change your family goals. The point is that you are focused on being focused and committed to building the strongest, most loving and healthy family as possible!