When it comes to family mottos, my kids would likely say ours is, “Hey, time to tackle the dishes!” After our dishwasher decided to retire a few years back, we’ve embraced a more… rustic approach to cleaning up after meals. With a larger family and limited funds for repairs, it’s become a bit of a ritual, reminiscent of simpler times. Admittedly, “Time to tackle the dishes” lacks poetic flair, but it fosters teamwork and builds resilience—qualities that are sometimes hard to come by in today’s world. My children might roll their eyes at me, but I remind them, “You’re not in charge here!” (And there’s another motto in the making.)
If you’re still searching for your family’s guiding phrase, don’t fret. I reached out to several parents for their mottos, and you’re welcome to borrow or adapt these to fit your family’s unique dynamics.
“We’ve Got This”
This uplifting motto serves as a family cheerleader, according to Sarah Thompson from Springfield. Whether facing piles of laundry or navigating more serious issues like a family member’s illness, this phrase unites them. “Recently, it’s helped us support our son through his anxiety,” Sarah shares. “Though sometimes we say, ‘You’ve got this,’ we prefer ‘We’ve got this’ to show him he’s never alone.”
“Be Less Helpless”
Over in Maplewood, Jenna Lee uses this motto to encourage her kids to handle tasks they’re capable of. “When my teenagers ask me to do something, I remind them of our motto,” Jenna explains. “Just the other day, I asked my tall son to grab something from a high shelf, and my daughter pointed to the footstool, saying, ‘Mom, be less helpless!’”
“Seek and Ye Shall Find”
For my neighbor, Lisa, this motto originated from her mother. “Whenever we’d ask where our stuff was, she’d say, ‘Seek and ye shall find,’” Lisa reminisces, noting how it became a family catchphrase for all lost items.
“You Must Be Confused”
In a family with five kids, Mike Sanders of New Jersey often finds himself using this phrase when his children ask for extravagant requests. “When one of them says, ‘Can I have a huge party?’ or ‘I shouldn’t have to shovel the driveway,’ I remind them, ‘You must be confused,’” Mike chuckles.
“Seriously?”
Jessica Moore from Austin has an amusing take on mottos. “My husband insists ours is ‘Anything less than the best is a felony,’ but I often find myself saying, ‘Seriously?’” She recalls a moment when her daughter asked if she could wear a marker-drawn scar to dinner—an anime-inspired creation.
“Be a Toughie, Not a Fluffy”
This motto is a staple in the home of Angela Roberts, who has raised her kids to adulthood. “We use this to teach them they can endure more than they think, especially when tackling new challenges,” Angela explains. Her friend, Kate, adds, “Ours is ‘If a thing is worth doing, it’s worth doing well,’ although I can’t say my teenager has fully grasped that yet.”
“Safe and Happy”
For Leah Carter, the phrase “Safe and happy” encapsulates her parenting philosophy. “As long as my kids are safe and happy, everything else is secondary,” Leah states, especially during those moments when one parent is off-duty.
In challenging times, these mottos remind us that as a family, we stand united—“We’ve got this.” We aim to protect each other and be our biggest supporters while also instilling a sense of responsibility and independence in our kids. After all, “Time to tackle the dishes!” may not be the most glamorous motto, but it’s one I think we should keep.
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Summary
Family mottos serve as guiding principles that foster unity, resilience, and independence among family members. From “We’ve got this” to “Be less helpless,” these phrases can shape the dynamics of family life and instill essential values. Embrace your own unique motto, as it can create a strong sense of belonging and support within your family.
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