The Family That Works Together

A few years back my husband and I created a family mission statement. As a part of that process we talked with our children about our family culture, in other words what we wanted our family to be known for. Through a series of questions, answers, and discussion, we decided we wanted to be a family that supported one another – both in our individual pursuits, and in our collaborations with each other on projects that are important to us. It has been an adventure that has changed the way we think of one another and ourselves. Instead of a home full of individuals, we’re “Team Amici”.

I have found that working together as a family:

• Strengthens our family bond.
• Creates a sense of belonging, especially when it supports our family mission statement.
• Allows us to practice working together as a team, which sets my kids up for success in the future in areas such as sports, school, and career.
• Lightens the workload without compromising the result.

Collaboration can be an amazing experience for everyone, no matter how big or small the endeavor. Families can work together both in their daily routines and larger projects with specific start and end dates.

Here are some of the areas where we work together as a family:

Chores – Everyone has a dinnertime chore such as setting , clearing or wiping the table, sweeping the floor, or drying dishes.

Hospitality – When we open out home to friends or our connect group (home group/small group), I remind the kids that we are hosting as a family. Each of us has a job to do. These include tidying around the house, putting drinks or snacks out on the table, or coordinating activities for the evening.

Cooking – Each of our children are responsible for cooking one night a week. But they don’t have to do it alone. While one child cooks, another is the sous chef and is responsible for gathering utensils, preparing ingredients, and cleaning off counters so there is always room to work.

Blogging – My oldest has a passion for cooking and blogs about it. She creates short videos to share with her readers. When she does, my 8-year-old helps with props, my 10-year-old works the camera, and I am responsible for production.

Volunteering – I am the committee chair for an entrepreneurship program at my children’s school. The program culminates with a Marketplace where the students sell their products and services. My husband is the Marketplace Coordinator, while my kids participate in the program, and are on hand to help with set up and clean up.

These are just a few ideas for how our families collaborate and bond to create a team family culture. When families work together they brings fresh ideas and unique perspective to the table. That is exactly what happened when award-winning Christian recording artist Natalie Grant collaborated with her twin daughters and their little sister to write the book London Art Chase and two other books in the Glimmer Girls chapter book series.

(Natalie has two twin daughters, Grace and Isabella, and a younger daughter Sadie Rose).

Written for tween girls, this new fictional series follows Mia and Maddie, 10-year-old twins, and their little sister LuLu, as they travel to London with their famous mom, singer Gloria Glimmer. In this hilarious adventure, the girls and their nanny work together to solve the case of art theft.

It is a great story that both my daughters and I can enjoy together.

There are so many ways to experience the adventure, benefits, and joys of working and enjoying projects together. I’d love to hear how your family collaborates with one another and what you love most about it!

By the way, if you like the London Art Chase, you will love A Dolphin Wish, also by Natalie Grant. This time the family is off to San Diego where there is lovely weather and great sights to see… and another adventure.

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Your Turn

Come share how your family collaborates with us on our blog! We’d love to hear from you!