Family Constitution Writing Project
Write a family constitution together that spells out shared values, rules, and responsibilities — giving everyone a voice in how the family operates.
What You'll Need
- 1Large paper or cardstock for the final document
- 2Markers and pens
- 3Scrap paper for brainstorming
- 4Frame for display (optional)
What You'll Need
Large paper or cardstock for the final constitution
Markers and pens
Scrap paper for brainstorming
A frame for display (optional but gives it gravitas)
How to Play
Call a family meeting with a serious but fun tone: "We're writing our family constitution today."
Brainstorm values: "What matters most in our family?" Write down everything — respect, honesty, fun, kindness, fairness.
Narrow to 5-8 core values everyone agrees on. This requires genuine discussion and compromise.
For each value, craft a specific commitment: "Respect" becomes "We knock before entering someone's room."
Include rights: "Everyone has the right to say 'I need a minute' without judgment."
Write the final version on nice paper. Make it look official.
Everyone signs at the bottom. Post it prominently. Reference it (gently) during conflicts.
Why It Works
A family constitution gives every member — including children — a voice in the rules they're expected to follow. When kids participate in creating the rules, they're far more likely to follow them because they have ownership. The process itself is a masterclass in negotiation: everyone has to advocate for what matters to them while compromising with others. For tweens especially, having their input respected builds trust and reduces the "unfair rules" complaint. It also gives parents a neutral reference point: "Remember, we all signed the constitution."
Tips
Take every suggestion seriously, even if you end up not including it. Being heard matters.
Include fun commitments too: "We have pizza Fridays" or "We play a game together every Sunday."
Review and amend the constitution every 6 months. Families change, and the document should too.
If a rule isn't working, the whole family discusses and revises it together. That's democracy in action.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 45 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: large paper or cardstock for the final document, markers and pens, scrap paper for brainstorming, frame for display (optional).
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 8-12 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This activity has a moderate difficulty level. It may require some preparation or guidance, but is manageable for most families.
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