Our values scale: concrete examples to help you define it
07 November, 2022
As human beings, we all hold values dear, and we want not only to live by them every day but also to pass them on to our children. These are the same values we should always keep in mind when making decisions that could end up taking up a big part of our time or affecting family life. Our values scale acts as a kind of parenting compass, helping us make sure that our decisions and actions always match the principles we value. It helps us choose the people around us as well as the products we buy, the activities we take part in and the goals we set. As shown in the book Les Belles Combines, here is a concrete example of how family values affect the choice, in this case, of an after-school activity for our kids.
Value: Family
Swimming:
Since swimming lessons take place on Saturday morning and last an hour, on top of the preparation before and after the lesson, they end up taking up a big part of the weekend and of the time we could otherwise spend as a family.
Piano:
Piano lessons take place on Tuesday evenings and last only 30 minutes, with no lengthy preparation needed. They also have the advantage of not cutting into the free time of family weekends.
Value: Fun and slowing down
Swimming:
Our kids love swimming and enjoying the municipal pool, but nothing stops us from going there as a family instead and taking advantage of the open swim times on the schedule.
Piano:
The kids love playing the piano, which at first glance is harder to take up as a family. Also, practicing this instrument doesn't get in the way of weekend family activities.
Value: Health
Swimming:
Although swimming is a sport that gets kids moving, it doesn't let every family member move at the same time and often requires the kids to sit nicely and patiently for the length of their siblings' lessons. Also, if as parents we have to spend a good part of our Saturdays rushing from one lesson to the next, it's hard to find time to get active ourselves.
Piano:
Of course, piano isn't a sport, but since it takes up so little time in our family calendar, it doesn't deprive us of the time we need to move as a family.
To help you determine for yourselves which values are the priority for your family and you, take a moment to fill out your own family values scale!
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