This is different than the Family Values Shield that I was teaching as a Simplicity Parenting Coach. That is still very valid and very useful - I highly recommend it and still use it as a key framework of our home learning life. You can revisit that in the Intro to Simplicity Parenting Class I teach in another blog post.
MANIFESTO
First, let's fully define manifesto and make sure we completely understand the scope and the purpose of doing this important action.
man·i·fes·to
ˌmanəˈfestō/
noun
noun: manifesto; plural noun: manifestos
- a public declaration of policy and aims, especially one issued before an election by a political party or candidate.
synonyms: policy statement, mission statement, platform, (little) red book, program, declaration, proclamation, pronouncement, announcement "a party manifesto that would change the course of world politics"
Origin
mid 17th century: from Italian, from manifestare, from Latin, ‘make public,’ from manifestus ‘obvious’ (see manifest1).
Notice it is something that has come to life, it's become "publicly" obvious. To make clear and manifest in your daily life through daily habits, thoughts, actions, words, behavior and teaching style - that's the beauty of having a Family Manifesto.
To be clear on what is truly important to you and your family, to know what you feel is good and bad, right and wrong, to have a common understanding of what makes your family your beautiful, unique wonderful family - that's the gift of having a Manifesto. Your Manifesto can set the tone for our lives and is essential to the energy we each bring to the family dynamic and thus the world. Yes, it's that important!
Write down everything that is important to you as a mom, parent, teacher, all the things you think are right about family and what's wrong with family today. Include what you value - all of the things most important to you for you and your family.
Write down your values (Peace? Kindness? Nature? Harmony? Patience? Recognition? Freedom? Financial Abundance/Freedom? Creativity? Trustworthiness? Competence/Mastery? Clean/Simple/Sustainable?
Write down your priorities? (sports, music, dance, skills - what specifically?)
What makes your family special, unique? (do you all play an instrument? Charades every Friday? Pets? Entrepreneurs?)
What activities are you doing? (Beach? Hiking? Mountain Biking? Skateboarding? Computer programing? Building things? Music? Traveling? Service? Group activities?)
Defined by your faith?
Financial responsibility?
Fun, Joy, Peace, Connection, Intimacy,
Group activities, going to the beach?
Include your children in this - if your children are over 4 I think they can share what's important to them. When I first asked Ryder this about 8 years ago (when he was about 4) he said, I need peace and quiet. To this day, he needs his peace and quiet, to read and relax. That is what restores him.
For Dax, it's totally different. He needs Connection! I work dilligently to make sure he receives this in ways that nourish him.
Make sure each family member is heard, understood and contributes in this creation of your beautiful and unique family Manifesto.
After a trip to a family NVC (Non violent communication) camp when my boys were 5 and 7, I became so much more aware of my own true needs and vigilant in understanding what my children's true needs were and not forcing what I thought they should think and feel. It's helped me expand so much as a woman, mother and human.
All right, now that you've written this out. Make it beautiful
To be clear on what is truly important to you and your
family, to know what you feel is good and bad, right and wrong, to
have a common understanding of what makes your family - your beautiful,
unique wonderful family - that's the gift of having a Manifesto.
It's so easy to get caught up comparing, but life is too short and moves too quickly. Get in touch with what you truly want for yourself, your family and allow for each individual to contribute.
The Manifesto can set the tone for your life and is essential to the energy each brings to the family dynamic and thus the world.
Put this together with your Families Values Shield and review it at least once a year! Make it a special night where you reconnect to your vision and your values and most importantly to your Family.
