The ancient Greek fabulist, Aesop, said, “Don’t let your special character and values, the secret that you know and no one else does, the truth – don’t let that get swallowed up by the great chewing complacency.” To put that another way, our core values are what define us as positive participants on this planet. What’s more, it is our values that make up the moral foundation by which all of our choices are made. These values are also part of the legacy we can leave our daughters. In short, our values are no small thing, and they are not to be dismissed or ignored. They must continue to be cultivated so they can grow, evolve, and help us become fulfilled.
What Are the Six Core Values?
Most sociologists (and other professionals) agree that there are six core values that make for a strong moral foundation. These six values are respect, responsibility, fairness, community, trust, and integrity.
Of course, we hold other values as well. However, most values can be traced back to one of these core values. For example, someone might put spirituality as a value, which is great. Still, spirituality can be included in all of the six core values.
Of course, there is no set rule on how we should categorize our values. This is just one way. Once we delve into the six core values, we must then delve into the ultimate question, “What are my values?”
What Are My Values?
In the Bible, Galatians 5:22-26 reads, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” This is a clear and defined value set, and it just happens to be a Christian example.
Whether we’re Christians or not, determining our value sets is crucial. This is especially true for parents of children struggling with issues of mental health and poor lifestyle choices. Not only do our values define us, but they are what our daughters depend upon for guidance and grace. There is also a good chance that they will emulate our values. For that reason, we want our values to be strong.
How do we determine our values? The answer is simple: We get curious and do some internal searching. We also take literal action and write them down. Then we ask our daughters to do the same. Once this happens, we can begin to have an open conversation about how our respective values may align and how they differ. From here, we can begin to workshop these values to see how we can both grow within our values and strengthen them. This can happen at the “6 Core Workshop” at Clearview Girls Academy.
What Is the “6 Core Workshop” at Clearview Girls Academy?
The “6 Core Workshop” is a way for parents like you to come together with your daughter and determine what is and isn’t working about your relationship. Also, you can explore how your values play a role in your relationship.
This workshop offers a safe space for having an open conversation about values and how we feel when these values are betrayed by either party. However, the “6 Core Workshop” is not just about looking into the past.
This workshop is about using information from the past to create a positive roadmap moving forward. Through this, we can create a more unified mindset. We can also become more willing to focus on these core values and discover how we can grow and strengthen them together in the future.
How Can I Better Stick To My Core Values?
It is important to remember that we are not always going to be wholly adherent to our values. We are human, after all.
However, there are ways in which we can bring more focus to our values. This may include incorporating a spiritual practice into our lives or strengthening one that is already present. It may also include some sessions of individual, family, and/or group therapy that can help us better connect to our core values and offer us tools for evolving them. Also, we can learn to better handle ourselves as these values evolve.
How Do I Handle the Evolution of Core Values?
It is only natural that values evolve as we grow. By sticking closely to the six core values, we can see how they grow and evolve in a positive light. However, just as values evolve, they can devolve as well.
The key to handling the evolution of our core values is to be present and open to change. Also, it is vital to be open and honest about changing values. This is the only way that our family, and especially our daughters, will know where we are at in our value sets. This way, they can both respect those values and better connect to them.
Valuing Recovery Above All Else at Clearview Girls Academy
Here at Clearview Girls Academy, we are not a “fix your kid” program. We are a “family journey” program.
Aesop also coined the phrase, “United we stand, divided we fall.” We know that the recovery journey is best taken when the entire family is in sync. Our core values are what ultimately allow that to happen.
Finding ways to better understand your values as a parent is essential to your child’s growth. Also, it is not just important to understand your values but also how your values can evolve (which can be confusing at times). The “6 Core Workshop” can help you attain an outward mindset to get curious about understanding your and your child’s mindset to set a precedent for creating values that adhere to growth, opportunity, and structure. If you feel like your daughter may be struggling with life-controlling issues, mental health, or both, we can help. For more information on parent workshops and other family recovery options, please reach out to Clearview Girls Academy today at (888) 796-5484.
