Have you been struggling to come up with a great family motto that can unite and inspire everyone? Family mottos can give your kids a real sense of identity as they try to figure out exactly who they are. They can also give them something to remember when they are out with their friends.
It creates a sense of unity and purpose that can get children through tough times as they navigate school, friends and general teenage life.
What is a Family Motto?
A family motto is a short phrase or sentence that encapsulates the core values, beliefs, and goals of a family. It serves as a guiding principle and reminder of what is important to the family as a whole.
Why Should My Family Have a Family Motto?
Having a family motto can bring numerous benefits to your family. It helps create a sense of identity and belonging for all of your family members. It serves as a unifying force, reminding everyone of their shared values and purpose. This can be especially valuable during challenging times when it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters.
A family motto can provide a sense of direction and clarity. It acts as a compass, guiding family decisions and actions. It helps prioritize what is truly important and sets a standard for behavior and interactions within the family. By having a clear motto, you can strengthen family bonds and promote a positive family culture.
Many years ago, you could find a family motto or family mantra on their family crest or coat of arms with their last name and other design across it.
This motto can have a lasting impact on children. It instills important values and principles from a young age, helping them develop a strong moral compass. It also provides them with a sense of stability and support as they navigate the complexities of school, friendships, and adolescence. It’s a simple thing that helps remind them of their whole family.
The motto can be short and sweet, or long and wordy. Whatever fits for you and your family.
It is a powerful tool for fostering unity, instilling values, and creating a sense of identity within your family. It serves as a constant reminder of what your family stands for and can inspire and guide each family member in their daily lives. So why not take the time to come up with a meaningful family motto that reflects your unique family values and aspirations?
Our recent family motto was
I can do hard things!
I really felt strongly that it should be our family motto, because quite frankly, I just felt like we were all falling into the trap of taking the easy route for everything! The easy route is comfortable. There’s nothing scary about it. But, do we grow? NO!
I also found myself thinking about how to make my job easier, which was making me uncomfortable and sad. I should have the desire to push myself to new heights and new territories. That is the only way to become a better person, by doing hard things.
I had been reading about self-esteem lately. Self esteem for kids doesn’t come when a 12 year old ties his shoes in the morning. Self-esteem comes when the 5 year old tries, and tries and finally ties his shoes, all by himself for the first time. THAT is when you grow and when you become satisfied with life. By doing hard things!
Another way kids can become better people is through service. I once saw a documentary on Mark Kaye and Jon Hunstman. As they would tuck in their kids each night, they would ask each one,
“What did you do to make someone’s life better today?”
What a wonderful message to focus on. Especially in our self-absorbed society. Thinking about someone else and how you can make their life better is a beautiful thing.
So, sit down with your kids during one of your upcoming family meetings and talk about what is important to you, and what things you want them to grow up thinking, feeling and becoming. I’ve listed some good family mottos that either we have used, or friends have as a way to get you thinking about ideas for your family.
How to create family mottos
Taking a queue from how we came up with our most recent family motto, think about things that your family may currently be struggling with. Ask your family to say one thing that is currently a challenge for them, whether it is making friends, being charitable, arriving places on time, etc.
Then ask the kids to name one thing they think is a challenge for Mom or Dad, and have Mom or Dad name one thing they think is a challenge for each child. See if there are any themes among the problems.
Next have everyone do the same thing, but name something your family is totally nailing. Once you have this list of strengths and challenges, it may be easier to narrow down your options. Look up articles about those strengths and challenges. Read a few of them and see if any of the sentences stand out for your family.
Working on communication as a family can be a process in itself and something that everyone can benefit from. Deciding on your own family motto may take a little bit of work, but you’ll know it once you find that perfect motto.
If you are still struggling, we have listed a few of our favorite family mottos here:
- Work Hard & Be grateful
- You don’t need to have the best of everything. Make the best of everything you have
- Be happy with what you have, while working for what you want
- Be the Good
- See the Good
- You are stronger than you seem, braver than you believe, and smarter than you think
- As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord
- We may not have it together, but together we have it all
- Have Courage and Be Kind
- Choice, not chance determines your destiny
- Do the right thing, even when no one is looking.
- Courage is the commitment to begin, even when there is no guarantee of success
- Broken crayons still color
- I find, the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have
- Never let success get to your head. Never let failure get to your heart
- Learn. Enjoy. Serve. Respect
- Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened
- Obey. Right away. All the Way. With a good attitude every day.
- The greatest weariness comes from work not done.
- Work hard. Play hard. Pray harder
- People are more important than things.
- What You Can Do, or Dream You Can, Begin It; Boldness Has Genius, Power, and Magic in It
- Paddle your own canoe
- We can do hard things
- Try a little harder to be a little better
- Stand for something
- Just keep swimming
- Great things never came from comfort zones
- Every day may not be good, but there is good in every day
- You only fail when you stop trying
- Don’t wait for storms to pass, dance in the rain
- Make the most of every moment
- Fly together
- Stand up for what’s right, even if you stand alone
- Be amazing
- Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten
- A true hero isn’t measured by the size of their strength, but by the strength of their heart
- Sometimes the right path is not the easiest one
- Whatever you do, do it well
- Do it. Do it right. Do it right now.
- The things that hold you down will help you soar
More family mottos based on themes
Unity and Togetherness Themed Family Mottos
Here are some unity and togetherness themed family mottos to inspire you:
1. “United we stand, divided we fall”
2. “Together we thrive”
3. “Strength in unity”
4. “One family, one love”
5. “In unity, we find strength”
6. “Family is forever”
7. “Together, we can conquer anything”
8. “United as one”
9. “Love binds us together”
10. “Building a legacy of togetherness”
11. “Supporting each other, always”
12. “United in love and solidarity”
13. “Together, we are unstoppable”
14. “Family first, always”
15. “In unity, we create memories”
Perseverance and Resilience Themed Family Mottos
1. “Rise above the challenges”
2. “Strength through adversity”
3. “Resilience runs in our blood”
4. “Perseverance fuels our journey”
5. “Unyielding in the face of obstacles”
6. “Together, we overcome”
7. “Embracing the power of resilience”
8. “Persistence defines us”
9. “United in our unwavering spirit”
10. “No challenge too great for us”
11. “Striving for success, no matter what”
12. “Resilient hearts, unbreakable bonds”
13. “Perseverance is our guiding light”
14. “Turning setbacks into comebacks”
15. “Rebounding stronger than ever”
Values and Morals Themed Family Mottos
1. “Integrity is our foundation”
2. “Compassion guides our actions”
3. “Honesty is our policy”
4. “Kindness is contagious”
5. “Respect for all, always”
6. “Empathy is our superpower”
7. “Generosity is in our DNA”
8. “Fairness and equality for all”
9. “Forgiveness leads to growth”
10. “Accountability shapes our character”
11. “Trust is our cornerstone”
12. “Gratitude fills our hearts”
13. “Inclusivity is our strength”
14. “Authenticity is valued here”
15. “Unity in diversity”
Love and Support Themed Family Mottos
1. “Love knows no bounds”
2. “Supporting each other through thick and thin”
3. “Love is the glue that holds us together”
4. “Standing by each other, always”
5. “Family is our greatest source of love and support”
6. “Lifting each other up with love and encouragement”
7. “Unconditional love, unwavering support”
8. “Creating a circle of love and support”
9. “Love and support: our family’s foundation”
10. “Together, we can overcome anything with love and support”
11. “Love and support: the key to our family’s happiness”
12. “Building a strong family through love and support”
13. “Love and support: the pillars of our family”
14. “In our family, love and support are abundant”
15. “Love and support: the threads that bind us together”
Personal Growth and Development Themed Family Mottos
1. “Embracing growth, together as a family”
2. “Growing stronger, one step at a time”
3. “Supporting each other’s personal journeys”
4. “Nurturing individual growth, fostering family unity”
5. “Encouraging self-improvement within our family”
6. “Embracing change, unlocking our fullest potential”
7. “Inspiring personal growth, fostering family harmony”
8. “Committing to continuous growth, as a family”
9. “Championing personal development, united as a family”
10. “Empowering each other’s dreams, nurturing personal growth”
11. “Unleashing our potential, together as a family”
12. “Investing in personal growth, building a thriving family”
13. “Supporting dreams, cultivating personal growth”
14. “Creating a culture of lifelong learning within our family”
15. “Encouraging self-discovery, shaping a vibrant family”
Adventure and Exploration Themed Family Mottos
1. “Embarking on grand adventures, as a family”
2. “Discovering new horizons, together”
3. “Exploring the world, creating lasting memories”
4. “Embracing the thrill of the unknown, as a family”
5. “Unleashing our adventurous spirit, united as a family”
6. “Journeying into the great unknown, hand in hand”
7. “Sailing uncharted waters, forging unforgettable experiences”
8. “Conquering new frontiers, side by side”
9. “Seeking hidden treasures, bonding as a family”
10. “Embracing the wild, living life to the fullest”
11. “Venturing into the wilderness, building strong bonds”
12. “Embracing the beauty of the outdoors, together”
13. “Climbing mountains, overcoming challenges as a family”
14. “Embracing the spirit of exploration, creating lifelong memories”
15. “Charting new territories, fueling our family’s adventurous spirit”
Kindness and Compassion Themed Family Mottos
1. “Spreading love and kindness, one act at a time”
2. “Compassionately supporting each other, a family united”
3. “Kindness is our language, compassion is our guide”
4. “Building a legacy of empathy and understanding”
5. “Caring for others, nurturing our family’s heart”
6. “Embracing kindness, creating a brighter world”
7. “Compassion in action, a family’s greatest strength”
8. “Lifting others up, one act of kindness at a time”
9. “Fostering empathy, building a compassionate family”
10. “A family rooted in compassion, making a difference”
11. “Kindness is our foundation, compassion is our legacy”
12. “Spreading kindness like wildfire, a family’s mission”
13. “Compassionately changing lives, one heart at a time”
14. “Kindness binds us, compassion guides us”
15. “A family that radiates kindness, a world transformed”
Teamwork and Cooperation Themed Family Mottos
1. “Together we are stronger, a family united”
2. “Building bridges through teamwork, one step at a time”
3. “Teamwork makes the dream work, a family’s motto”
4. “Cooperation creates harmony, a family’s foundation”
5. “Supporting each other, achieving greatness as a team”
6. “Working together, achieving our family’s goals”
7. “Unity in diversity, cooperation at its best”
8. “Collaboration leads to success, a family’s secret”
9. “Helping hands, a family’s recipe for success”
10. “In unity we thrive, teamwork defines us”
11. “Together we rise, cooperation is our strength”
12. “Shared responsibilities, a family’s bond”
13. “Hand in hand, we conquer any challenge”
14. “Stronger together, a family’s power”
15. “Synergy in action, cooperation in motion”
16. “Supporting one another, a family’s legacy”
17. “Everyone plays a part, teamwork at its core”
18. “Working side by side, achieving greatness together”
19. “Collaboration breeds success, a family’s mantra”
20. “Teamwork empowers us, cooperation defines us”
Fun and Laughter Themed Family Mottos
1. “Laughing together, a family’s treasure”
2. “Joyful moments, the heart of our family”
3. “Embracing laughter, creating lasting memories”
4. “Smiles and giggles, our family’s soundtrack”
5. “Fun-filled adventures, our family traditions”
6. “Happiness is contagious, our family’s motto”
7. “Laughter is the best medicine, our family’s remedy”
8. “Cherishing laughter, building strong bonds”
9. “Creating smiles, one joke at a time”
10. “Finding joy in every moment, our family’s legacy”
11. “Unleashing laughter, embracing the silly”
12. “Spreading laughter, lighting up our lives”
13. “Making memories through laughter, our family’s magic”
14. “Tickling funny bones, our family’s specialty”
15. “Celebrating laughter, our family’s language”
16. “Sharing laughter, strengthening our connection”
17. “Laughing together, supporting one another”
18. “Playful moments, weaving laughter into our story”
19. “Unleashing the power of laughter, our family’s secret”
20. “Filling our home with laughter, our family’s joy”
Gratitude and Appreciation Themed Family Mottos
1. “Counting our blessings, cherishing every moment”
2. “Grateful hearts, endless appreciation”
3. “Embracing gratitude, cultivating love”
4. “Thankful for each other, forever grateful”
5. “Appreciating life’s gifts, together as a family”
6. “Expressing gratitude, spreading love”
7. “Gratitude in our hearts, joy in our souls”
8. “Appreciating the little things, treasuring the big moments”
9. “Embracing gratitude, building a strong family foundation”
10. “Thankful for our journey, embracing every step”
11. “Grateful for the present, hopeful for the future”
12. “Celebrating gratitude, creating a legacy of appreciation”
13. “Thankful hearts, abundant blessings”
14. “Appreciating life’s blessings, making memories together”
15. “Gratitude as our compass, love as our guide”
16. “Thankful for the laughter, grateful for the love”
17. “Appreciating the beauty in every day, together as a family”
18. “Grateful for the moments that matter, cherishing our time together”
19. “Embracing gratitude, nurturing love and connection”
20. “Thankful for our family, forever appreciative”
So, have you found one that will work for your family? Do you have a different one that you want to share? We want to hear YOUR new family motto!, let us know in the comments! Also check out our ideas on creating a personal motto!
It’s also important to remember that family mottos can change over time. It’s all about what works for your family, and the stage of life that your family is in. Some families may find that their motto stays true over time, and some may find that they want to change it up to something else that better encompasses them during a different phase in life.
Do what works best for your family. That’s all that matters.
Kittie
Wednesday 8th of March 2017
We don’t have a family motto yet, love this idea and the suggestions!