Activity: Create a Personal Motto and Design a Family or Personal Crest

Perfect for: Indoors on a calm afternoon or outdoors with drawing supplies

Best for: Kids aged 6+ (great for encouraging reflection, values, and creativity)

Activity Description:

Kids design their very own family or personal crest—a colorful emblem that represents who they are and what they believe in. Alongside the design, they create a personal motto—a short sentence of wisdom or courage to live by. It’s a fun, thoughtful mix of art, self-discovery, and character-building.

How to Do It:

1. Learn What a Crest Is

• Show pictures of real medieval or modern family crests
• Explain that each part of a crest stands for something important:
  
  • Animals = strength, loyalty, courage
  • Colors = wisdom, joy, honesty
  • Objects = tools, talents, goals

2. Create the Motto First

Ask questions to help kids think:

• “What’s a rule you try to live by?”
• “What’s something you believe makes someone a good person?”
• “What would you want on your superhero badge?”

Help them craft a short, powerful motto like:

• “Kindness first, always.”
• “Be curious. Be brave.”
• “Do the right thing, even if no one sees.”
• “One step at a time.”

3. Design the Crest

Fold a paper in half or draw a shield shape. Inside the crest, divide it into 4 sections:

• Top Left: A symbol of something they love
• Top Right: A quality they admire (e.g., honesty, patience, courage)
• Bottom Left: A dream or goal
• Bottom Right: Something that makes them smile

Decorate it with colors, banners, stars, or animals that match their values.

4. Present and Discuss

• Let kids explain their crest and motto
• Ask:
  
  • “Which part is the most you?”
  • “Which value do you want to work on the most?”
  • “What would your superhero think of this crest?”

5. Display or Carry It

• Hang the crest on their bedroom door or make it into a medallion or badge
• Make mini crests for the whole family and create a Family Values Wall

Bonus Tip:

Come back to the crest later in the year and ask: “Would you change anything now?”—a great way to reflect on growth.

This activity encourages self-awareness, artistic expression, and moral clarity, giving kids a powerful way to express who they are and who they want to become. Type n when you’re ready for the next fun and meaningful activity!