When was the last time you took a moment to plan and dream together as a family? If your whirlwind of daily life is anything like mine then finding the moments to do this can seem few and far between.
There's a fun, creative and simply powerful activity which can bring families closer together: creating vision boards.
This family vision board guide will help you through the process of crafting vision boards as a family and will also include helpful starter questions to ensure you and your children get the most out of the activity.
Understanding Vision Boards
Simply, a vision board is a visual representation of your goals, dreams, and moments you can help each other and the world as a whole. By taking the time to organise and display images, words, and phrases, you and your family can collectively imagine what your future might look like.
Getting Started: Preparing for the Process
Before giving into the creative process, it's essential to find the best productive and nurturing environment. Don’t schedule this activity for the end of the day when everyone is frazzled, or on the weekend just after a day of sports.
Find the time when nobody has to be anywhere to be, and you can clear your mind of all your tasks.
Once you’ve found the best time, now gather materials such as poster boards, magazines, scissors, and glue, and let your family know it’s time to get creative.
Setting Family Goals
Engage the whole family in a discussion about their individual and collective goals.
It’s important to be specific about what you would like your future to look like. Don’t just say “better” or “less busy” instead choose things like “have a coffee in the garden in the morning” or “spend more time with you”.
Images and Words
I find it best if everyone selects their own goals as an individual member and then the family vision board brings them all together.
Once goals are established, let each family member to search for images and words that resonate with their dreams. If your children aren't able to search safely, I would always recommend hand drawing. There’s nothing cuter than seeing them colour and drawing with a purpose.
Whether it's a picture of a dream holiday destination or a quote or feeling, encourage them to use all of their creativity and make it as personal as you can.
Ensuring Children Get the Most Out of the Activity: Questions To Ask
During the family vision board activity, prompt your children (and yourself) with these:
- What are some of your biggest dreams and aspirations?
- Can you find images or words that represent those dreams in the magazines?
- How do you think achieving these goals will make you feel?
- Are there any obstacles and how can we overcome them?
- Which goals do you think are most important to our family, and why?
- How can we support each other in achieving our individual and collective goals?
- What actions can we take right now to move closer to our dreams?
- How will we know when we've achieved our goals? What will success look like?
- Are there any smaller milestones we can set along the way to keep us motivated?
- How can we celebrate our achievements as a family?
Assembling the Vision Boards
Work together to arrange your art and words on the poster board, allowing plenty of space for everyone's contributions.
Once you’re happy with how it looks be sure to date and sign your masterpiece!
Reflecting and Sharing
Take a moment to reflect on the journey as a family. Discuss the chosen images and goals, exploring how they make each family member feel. Celebrate the unity and strength of your family bond.
Displaying and Revisiting the Vision Boards
Find a prominent place to display your family vision board and make a habit of revisiting them regularly, celebrating achievements and adjusting goals as needed.
Creating vision boards together as a family is not only a creative activity but also an opportunity for authentic family connection.
Through collaboration, reflection, and a shared vision, you have the perfect opportunity to strengthen your family bonds and work towards a brighter future together.
So I encourage you to gather around a giant poster board, unleash your creativity, and start on this truly rewarding journey of goal setting and dream chasing.
