The world today is so fast-paced that families often don’t feel like families anymore. Between work, school, and daily chores—and even more serious problems like financial struggles or health issues—family members can sometimes feel distant and disengaged from one another.
One of the most underrated ways to deal with this is by using a family vision board. It’s a fun, playful way for families to build shared goals, communicate more effectively and intimately, and foster a deeper sense of love and unity.
But what, exactly, is a family vision board? And how do you go about creating one? Let’s discuss!
What Is a Family Vision Board?
A family vision board is a board where a family posts photos, words, artwork, symbols, and all sorts of knick-knacks that reflect the family and its memories, goals, and values.
It’s meant to help remind you of what you all want to strive for—whether that’s more quality time, a dream vacation, improved health, or stronger emotional connections.
It’s basically the family version of traditional vision boards created by individuals for personal development.
It’s meant to be a collaborative endeavor where everyone contributes—this is crucial for fostering the sense of unity that the board is meant to provide.
People can put things about themselves as individuals or about the family as a collective whole.
Why Create a Family Vision Board?
Creating a family vision board isn’t just about having a cute little board to decorate your family home with. It’s meant to tighten your bond as a family. Here’s how.
Promotes Communication
The process of creating the board encourages family members to talk about their hopes and goals, especially ones that may not come up in everyday conversations.
It also offers a way for children to express themselves, as they may not know how to articulate their thoughts and emotions in a sit-down conversation.
Builds Unity and Alignment
When everyone posts something on the board, the result is a shared vision that reflects the entire family. It encourages collaboration and helps everyone feel truly invested in family affairs.
Visual Motivation
Psychology has proven that visualizing our goals helps us achieve them. From financial savings goals to health milestones, a vision board is there to constantly remind you to strive for your family’s dreams.
Creates a Meaningful Tradition
Beyond hopes and goals, the very act of creating the board can be a great bonding activity. Try making it an annual or seasonal tradition. It’s a chance for the family to both have fun and have heart-to-heart talks.
How to Create a Family Vision Board
Worry not: creating a family vision board doesn’t require special artistic skills. What it does need is genuine intention, creativity, and teamwork.
Remember, it doesn’t need to be a work of art—it just needs to feel authentically yours as a family.
Here’s a step-by-step guide you can follow when you first try making a vision board.
Step 1: Set the Scene
Pick a time when everyone can be relaxed and present.
Maybe a Sunday afternoon, after an evening dinner, or even during holidays. If you want to go the extra step, you can even play music or prepare snacks!
Gather around the kitchen table or in the living room and bring supplies such as:
- A poster board or corkboard;
- Old magazines, newspapers, and printouts;
- Scissors, glue sticks, tape, pins;
- Markers and coloring materials;
- Stickers.
Step 2: Reflect and Dream Together
Start by discussing the purpose of the vision board.
To get people thinking more concretely, ask questions like:
- What are our favorite memories from the past year?
- What do we want to do more of together?
- Are there any habits we want to build or break?
- What trips or experiences would we love to have?
- How do we want to feel in our home?
- How would you want us to support you?
Encourage each family member to share wholeheartedly and for everyone to listen without judgment. Even young kids can contribute by drawing pictures or choosing images they like.
Step 3: Choose Your Categories
You can choose to organize the board and dedicate specific sections for certain categories, like:
- Fun & Travel (vacations, game nights);
- Health & Wellness (healthy eating, exercise);
- Learning & Growth (school or career goals, reading);
- Home & Environment (chores, home projects);
- Connection & Values (prayer, kindness, gratitude).
Alternatively, mix everything together in a collage-style layout. Or make it a mish-mash of smorgasbord! What matters is that your family feels represented by and connected to the board.
Step 4: Gather and Create
Next, go through magazines for relevant photos. You can also search online for images, create designs, or type out words and quotes to print them out.
(Pro tip: Use a VPN to change your location. Then search for unique images of the travel destinations you’re considering straight from the country of origin! But do I need a VPN? Well, it certainly makes things easier!)
Encourage everyone to contribute at least a few pieces so that it’s truly a group effort.
Step 5: Add Personal Touches
Next, make the board truly yours by adding:
- Drawings by the kids (or even parents!);
- Handwritten goals, affirmations, or quotes;
- Old photos of the family;
- Handwritten goals or affirmations;
- A family motto or word of the year.
Of course, you can also use digital tools to create these!
Step 6: Display and Revisit
As the years pass by, the family’s situation, goals, and values may shift. As such, make sure to regularly revisit and update the board as necessary.
This keeps it relevant, but doing so also allows us to check in on progress, talk about changes and challenges, and celebrate achievements.
How often to do this will, of course, depend on you! Some do it monthly, some do it yearly—just do it regularly!
Final Thoughts
A family vision board is a concrete representation of your family life. It empowers families to dream together, work together, and grow together.
It’s particularly important in an age where everyone is often caught staring at separate screens (and living separate lives). Creating a board is a practice of intentional togetherness and creativity and ensures that your family stays strong through life’s ups and downs.
