Dream
Tiffany Doerr Guerzon
Big How to create family vision boards
A vision board (or dream board)
is a collection of images that represent goals and dreams for the future. These collages aren’t just fun to look at; they also function as visualization tools. Visualization, or imagining an activity, is a powerful exercise that helps people see and strive for dreams or goals without even thinking about it. Creating vision boards together as a family can be a fun, inspiring activity. Not only will the project spark meaningful discussion, it also encourages goal setting as individuals and as a family unit. For individual boards, consider using file folders or sheets of cardstock as a base. For a family board, a large poster board works best if you have the space to display it.
Supplies Paper and pens Poster board, file folders or 8”x 11” cardstock Variety of magazines to cut images and words from Scissors Glue sticks Markers Start by setting the scene. Ask everyone to put away phones and other electronics. Gather around a table
22 • SanDiegofamily.com • January 2024
Photo cour tesy of Alyssa Nava
and have supplies handy. Consider playing music to set the mood for brainstorming and imagination.
Directions 1. Brainstorm. Hand out paper and pencils and ask family members to jot down short-term and long-term goals they have for the upcoming year and beyond. It might help to categorize them into different areas of life (school, work, health, relationships, spiritual, fun, etc.). Talk about it as a family to get the juices flowing. Try to be specific. For example, instead of writing “improve health,” choose an
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action such as “drink one extra glass of water each day” or “take a walk three times a week.” For relationships, maybe the kids want to spend more time with friends or schedule a family game night every month. Couples might consider a weekly date night. Other ideas might include get better grades, learn to paint or play soccer, take a trip, keep a gratitude journal or become a veterinarian. Imagination is the only limitation! Don’t tell kids what goals to choose. Ask them questions if they need help getting started, but kids need to choose their own goals and dreams for a vision board to work.
