WHY EVERY FAMILY NEEDS A MOTTO (AND HOW TO CREATE YOURS)

Back when I would say goodbye before my son, John, got on the bus in his early elementary years, I realized I needed something more to set the tone for his day. I asked him what our family motto was before he left for school.

“Work hard, act nice.” Short, sweet, and easy to remember – and a reminder of our family values.

After talking it over with my husband, Rob, we decided this phrase summed up what we wanted for our family — effort and kindness. Every morning, I would say, “I love you, have a great day! What’s our family motto?” And John would proudly respond, “Work hard, act nice.”

After a while of this, he sometimes tried to sneak out the door without saying it. But I wasn’t about to let that slide. If I had to chase him down the street in my pajamas or loudly declare to the neighbors all the reasons I loved my son, I had no shame. Embarrassment can be a powerful motivator. “Jeez, Mom! Stop! We work hard and act nice! There, I said it! You know people can SEE you, right?”

Mission accomplished.

WHY IS A FAMILY MOTTO IMPORTANT?

Part tradition/part parenting tool, a family motto shapes identity and character over time!

A strong family motto:

• Gives your child a sense of identity

• Guides them when they’re unsure

• Builds character and confidence

Think of it as part roadmap, part shield. Just as good manners protect children when you’re not around, a family motto can serve as a guide for life.

How To Create Your Own Family Motto

Ready to start your own tradition? Gather your family around and ask:

• Who are we at our best?

• How do we want people to describe us when we’re not in the room?

• What do we do when tested or challenged?

Write down everyone’s answers, then brainstorm words or short phrases that capture those ideas. The best mottos are short, clear, and easy for kids to remember — like a family tagline.

Examples could be:

• Always kind, doing what’s right

• Work hard, play fair

• Love big, laugh often

Over time, repeating these words becomes second nature. They remind your child who they are, even when you’re not around.

OUR FAMILY'S MOTTO

For us, “Work hard, act nice” is more than just words. It’s the compass we’ve tried to live by as parents and the reminder our 21-year-old carries with him as he navigates life as a young adult.

Out of all the things I’ve given my son, this is the one I’m most proud of. Well… that, and the unforgettably frightening image of his mom sprinting down the street barefoot as he tried to escape her. Love (and the need to hear the family motto) can make a mom do crazy things.

~ Shannon Black, founder/co-owner of Jarrell Montessori. You can read this blog post and many others at JarrellMontessori.com.