(Chelsea Update would like to thank Kristin Krarup-Joyce for the information in this story, which is the last for this school year. Hope you’ve enjoyed them.)
I recently came across the book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families by Stephen Covey.
Although it was first published in 1997, it contains strategies that are great for families living in the digital age. The book has suggestions for how to share each chapter (habit) with teens and children.
This is a very brief summary. Please read the book for in-depth ideas on how to operationalize these habits for your family.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families:
- Be Proactive. Act based on principles and values rather than reacting based on emotion or circumstance. Create a pause button in the space between an event and your reaction to it.
- Begin with an End in Mind. Develop a family mission statement.
- Put First Things First. Make your family a priority in a turbulent world.
- Think “Win-Win.” Cultivate a spirit of family as a team.
- Seek First to Understand … then to be Understood. At the heart of family pain is mis-understanding.
- Synergize. Build family unity through celebrating differences.
- Sharpen the Saw. Renew family spirit through traditions.
I hope that you enjoy a safe and happy summer with your families.
