This blog post is all about Core Values in Motherhood.
Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of chaos? The burnout from juggling everything, the constant rush to get through the day, the frustration of finding forgotten laundry in the washer (again), or the sinking feeling of another day gone without checking off anything you hoped to accomplish?
Mama, I’ve been there. But here’s the truth: discovering your core values in motherhood will completely transform your life.
Seriously.
If you have been struggling with these feelings, this blog post is for you!
Core Values in Motherhood for Christian Mamas
What are Core Values?
Core Values are “the fundamental beliefs and principles that guide an individual’s or an organization’s actions, behaviors, and decision-making,” thanks Google.
Essentially, it shapes your actions, decisions, and priorities. Think of it as your “why” to everything you do.
A compass, helping you navigate life’s challenges and stay focused on what truly matters.
For example, core values could include your faith, nurturing a close-knit family, fostering kindness, maintaining a peaceful home, or pursuing personal growth. As a mom, your core values influence how you raise your children, care for your family, and find balance in the daily chaos.
Why You Need To Identify Your Core Values?
As a Christian mama, you wear many hats every day: caregiver, teacher, housekeeper, chef, and so much more. The endless to-do lists and impossible standards make it easy to feel overwhelmed.
Here’s the hard truth: you can’t do it all. And you weren’t meant to.
But that’s where identifying your core values comes in. When you discover what truly matters most, you can stop striving to accomplish everything and instead focus on the things that align with your God-given purpose.
Core values will keep you grounded, guiding your decisions and helping you reflect on how you can grow in fulfilling them each day. They give you permission to let go of what doesn’t serve your purpose and devote your energy to what does
Center Your Values Around God
Don’t look out into the world to help you discover your Core Values, for no matter what you do or don’t accomplish, it will never be enough for this world. That is why it is so important to center your core values around God. He offers true purpose and peace. He also doesn’t change his mind like the world does.
Your core values should reflect what God desires for you in your motherhood journey, not what the world expects. When your values are rooted in His Word, they will guide you with clarity and strength, even in the most challenging moments.
Here are some God-centered values to consider as you seek His guidance:
- Teach your kids about God. (Proverbs 22:6 Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
- Faithfully Follow Christ in your Daily Life. (Luke 9:23 & Psalms 37:5)
- Discipline. (Hebrews 12:6, Ephesians 6:4, & Proverbs 29:17)
- Speak with Kindness and Wisdom. (Proverbs 31:26, Colossians 4:6)
- Show Unconditional Love with Words & Actions. (1 Corinthians 13:4 & 1 Peter 4:8)
- Rest in His Promise. (Exodus 20:8 & Matthew 11:28)
- Work Diligently. (Colossians 3:23, Proverbs 13:4, & Proverbs 31)
What Type of Mother Do You Want to Be?
The first step in identifying your core values is to ask yourself, “What type of mother do I want to be?”
Before kids, we were all THE perfect moms, weren’t we? We swore off microwavable Dino Nuggets, vowed zero screen time, and promised that every bite our kids ate would be organic, non-GMO, and probably imported from Italy. Anyone else raise their hand?
But then reality hit.
For me, it came in the form of sleep deprivation. Suddenly, patience? Gone. Energy? Running on fumes. Kindness? A rare commodity. I became a version of myself I never expected, and it wasn’t the mom I wanted to be.
Here’s the thing: we all had the “perfect mom” plan before becoming moms, but the realities of motherhood teach us so much more than we could imagine. That’s why this question is so important.
Now that you’ve entered motherhood and experienced its joys and challenges—a love deeper than anything you’ve ever known—you can redefine your vision. By aligning your motherhood journey with your core values, you can become the mom God designed you to be.
What Type of Family Do You & Your Husband Want To Build?
The second most important question to ask yourself is, “What type of family do we want to build?”
This question isn’t just about parenting styles; it’s about the environment you want to create for your children and the memories you hope they’ll carry into adulthood. What kind of atmosphere do you want in your home? One filled with joy, laughter, and love? A place where faith is central, and kindness is a cornerstone?
It’s important to remember that you and your husband may not always see things the same way, and that’s okay! Children thrive when they experience the unique strengths both parents bring. They benefit from the balance of a father’s guidance and security, paired with a mother’s nurturing care. Together, you create a dynamic that shapes their world.
To begin building your vision, consider discussing these three foundational topics:
- Faith:
- What does a strong, Christ-centered household look like to you?
- How can you prioritize family worship, prayer, or devotionals together?
- How will you model faith for your children in daily life?
- Discipline:
- What approach to discipline feels most aligned with your values?
- How can you create consistency in discipline while showing grace and love?
- Values:
- What core values do you want to instill in your children? (Examples: faith, kindness, resilience, a strong work ethic.)
- How can you model these values as parents and create opportunities for your children to practice them?
Reflecting on and communicating about these areas can help you and your husband create a shared vision for your family. While the day-to-day details may change, your foundation will remain strong, guiding you through every season of parenting.
Now What?
After you’ve come up with your core values, narrow them down to the top four. Write them down and stick them on your fridge.
Your chosen core values should guide your priorities. Each day, ask yourself, “How can I live out these values today?” Some days, you might hit the mark; others, you won’t, and that’s okay. What matters is that you’re intentional and giving your best effort.
For example, one of my core values is spending 20 minutes to an hour playing and interacting with my little ones. If they want a tea party, we’re having a tea party. If I have to play magnet tiles with them, I will. They direct the play and have 100% of my attention.
The house might not be tidy during these moments, but I’ve learned to let that go. I know I’ll put everything back in order before bed, so why let the mess steal my joy or take time away from my kids?
Core values are not about perfection; they’re about living with purpose. By focusing on what matters most, you’ll create a home and life centered on what you and your family truly treasure.
Core Values in Motherhood
The beauty of motherhood is that it teaches us, shapes us, and draws us closer to God as we navigate its challenges.
By identifying and living out your core values, you can create a life rooted in purpose and peace, even amid the chaos of motherhood.
Feeling overwhelmed or burned out? You’re not alone, Mama. Here’s a blog post on overcoming parenting burnout, filled with encouragement and practical tips to help you find renewal.
