Why Your Family Needs Repeatable Phrases

Ever noticed how you can walk into a Starbucks, confidently order a “grande nonfat vanilla latte,” and instantly feel like you belong? That’s the power of shared language. It creates connection, builds culture, and—if you’re really good at it—cements customer loyalty with just three Italian-ish words: tall, grande, venti.

Companies like Starbucks have mastered the art of creating a shared vocabulary. But the power of language isn’t just for baristas and branding experts. It’s for families, too.

In fact, I believe one of the most powerful (and practical!) tools for parenting with purpose is developing repeatable phrases—short, memorable mantras that help shape your family culture and point your people back to what matters most.

What Makes the Family Creed Different

Here’s the thing: The Family Creed isn’t about crafting some lofty statement that sounds great on a letterboard but gathers dust on the fridge. It’s a living, breathing tool meant to help your family actually live out your values.

And shared language—specifically, repeatable phrases—is the secret sauce that makes it stick.

These phrases are the stuff you say on repeat. The one-liners you whisper before a big test. The reminders you speak mid-meltdown (yours or theirs). They’re the words that help anchor your kids in truth, identity, and purpose—without the need for a five-minute monologue.

Make It Yours

The best part? There’s no “right” way to do this. You don’t need a marketing degree or a seminary diploma to come up with meaningful, sticky language for your family. You just need a little reflection, a lot of prayer, and maybe a taco date with your spouse.

Here are a few of our favorite types of repeatable phrases to spark your creativity:

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“We Are” Statements

These phrases speak to who you are as a family. They help form identity and cast a vision your kids can grow into.

• “Esekes are great hosts wherever we go.”
• “Patricks are finish-line crossers.”
• “Martins are encouragers and includers.”
• “Garcias are light-bringers in dark places.”

It may feel awkward at first to say this kind of thing out loud, but over time, these statements take root. They start to shape how your kids show up in the world—and how they understand their role in God’s big story.

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Sticky One-Liners

These are short and sweet—perfect for in-the-moment parenting.

• “We do hard things with happy hearts.”
• “Tell the truth to build trust.”
• “People over perfection.”
• “Find the joy.”
• “Own it.”

They come in handy when you’re redirecting a bad attitude or reminding your crew what matters—without having to pause and deliver a TED Talk.

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Rooted in God’s Character

These phrases tie your family values back to the why—God’s Word and His character.

• “We forgive because we’ve been forgiven.”
• “We love because He first loved us.”
• “We bring light because He is light.”
• “We give because God gives generously.”

These help our kids understand that our values aren’t just family rules or cultural trends—they’re reflections of the One we follow.

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Make It Stick

Remember: the goal isn’t to craft the perfect phrases—it’s to use them. Daily. Casually. Faithfully.

Look for the natural rhythms in your family life—bedtime, car rides, mealtimes—and sprinkle these truths into the moments you already share. Say them with love, consistency, and maybe just enough sass to make your teenager roll their eyes (that’s how you know it’s working).

Because in a world full of loud voices and conflicting messages, your family needs clear, consistent truth to hold onto. And repeatable phrases are one small, powerful way to speak life—on repeat.

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Want help creating your own Family Creed? I’ve put together a step-by-step guide and template to walk you through the process. Check it out here.

Together, let’s build families that know who they are, Whose they are, and where they’re headed.