The Family Identity Tool helps create that sense of belonging in our families for our kids by instilling a sense of team identity within our family unit. It gives our kids a place where they know they belong! A place where they know they are significant, safe, and loved. A place where they can learn about their culture, traditions, religion, and values.  A place where they can discover more about who they are, what they believe, and how to live and grow to become a productive, contributing, respectful, and resilient human being.  A place where they can make mistakes, be themselves, and still know that they are genuinely loved.  A place where there are fair and firm boundaries. A place where there is fun, togetherness, helpfulness, and service. Creating a family identity provides a secure place for a child to thrive. We can create all of this for our kids through The Family Identity Tool. 

It’s actually quite easy to apply The Family Identity Tool.

Here are a few ways to get started on creating the atmosphere of team in your family:

• Use the word “family” often—
  • “I love our family.”
  • “We are family–we can figure out a solution together.”
• Call your family a team often–
  • “We are a team!”
  • “Let’s clean up as a team.”
  • “Let’s decide as a team.”
• Use your family name (this can be your last name or a made up name your family decides on as a team) to identify character traits that you value–
  • We are the Hernandez Family, we treat others with respect.”
  • We are the Williams Family, we choose kindness.”
  • We are the Zhang Family, we help others in need.”
  • We are the Patel Family, we choose to live with honesty and integrity.”
  • We are Team Supreme, we can solve problems together.”
• As a team, come up with 5 words (values/character traits) that you want to focus on as a family.  For example: Love, Respect, Trust, Responsibility, Service. And then teach, train, and guide your kids with words and actions revolving around them.
• Other ways to apply The Family Identity Tool—
  • create a team song
  • get team t-shirts
  • come up with your own family handshake

We believe that any real-life parenting situation can always be connected to the fact that you are a family and that you are a team and that means that, together, you can work ANYTHING out. Focus everything you say and do around the character traits you want your kids to learn as members of your family. What an incredible way to establish belonging—which every kid NEEDS!

Find more practical ideas for establishing team unity and giving kids a sense of belonging in our resource—Go Family! 31 Ways for Creating Team Unity in Our Homes

Running late for school is the worst. Correction…having to get 3 kids up and dressed and fed and out the door on time while you’re running late for school is the worst. (Perspective–We are blessed to have three kids. We are blessed to have food. We are blessed to have clothes. We are blessed to have a home with a door. And we are blessed to have a clock regardless of whether or not it says we are running late.)

But because we are a family and we are a team. I say: “Ok team…we can do this!” I encourage. I help. And as we get out the door just in the nick of time…we all give each other a high five. Because we did it! We made it out the door on time for school because we are the Leebs and we are responsible and punctual…and more importantly…we are a team!

Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Philippians 2:2

Lord, first and foremost, You are on our team. Help our family’s identity start with You and then go from there. Help us to provide a sense of belonging for our kids within the family unit You have given us and show us the values You want us to instill. Show us how to work together and love one another even when we aren’t always on the same page. Unite us and bring us together as a team that You created us to be to solve any problem together.