Family Life Merit Badge

Requirement 1: What Makes a Family

What You Need To Do

Create a simple outline about what a family is. Talk with your counselor about why families matter and how family members affect each other through their actions and choices.

Helpful Tips

• Parents, guardians, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins can all be part of a family.
• Cooking meals, helping with homework, driving to activities, and caring for younger children help a family work together.
• Cheering at games, helping during hard times, and celebrating achievements build strong family relationships.
• Responsibility, manners, respect, teamwork, and patience are often learned at home.
• Helping with chores can make life easier for everyone in the house.
• Arguing, refusing to help, or ignoring responsibilities can create stress for other family members.
• Short notes and bullet points make an outline easier to read.
• Clear topics work better than long paragraphs.
• Personal stories and real situations help make discussions easier.
• Bringing your outline to the meeting helps you stay organized.

Resources

• Why Family Matters in Shaping Teens’ Passions and Identity (podcast)
• Introduction to Family Life (video)

Leader Tips

• Keep the focus on respect, responsibility, and healthy family relationships.
• Help Scouts think about different kinds of families and family structures.
• Encourage discussion without asking Scouts to share private details.
• Give Scouts time to organize their thoughts before discussions.

Requirement 2: Family Members

What You Need To Do

Make a list of reasons why you are important to your family. Talk about your list with your parents or guardians and with your merit badge counselor.

Helpful Tips

• Family members help each other every day.
• Chores and responsibilities keep the home running smoothly.
• A positive attitude can improve the mood at home.
• Time spent together helps families stay connected.
• Kind words and encouragement support other family members.
• Talents and skills bring value to the family.
• Helping younger siblings or older relatives shows responsibility.
• Listening during conversations helps family communication.
• Dependability builds trust within the family.
• Honest examples from daily life make discussions easier.

Resources

• Families and Family Relationships (video)

Leader Tips

• Support Scouts from different family situations and backgrounds.
• Encourage Scouts to recognize everyday contributions at home.
• Keep discussions focused on positive family relationships.
• Give Scouts time to organize their ideas before sharing.

Requirement 3: Chores

What You Need To Do

Make a list of at least five regular chores or home duties. Complete them for 90 days, keep a record of your work, and talk with your counselor about how your chores helped your family.

Helpful Tips

• Pick chores you can complete on a regular schedule.
• Use a chart, calendar, or notebook to track your work.
• Record chores every day or week so you do not forget.
• Cleaning, laundry, trash, pet care, and yard work all count.
• Meal preparation and helping younger siblings can also count.
• Small chores done regularly help the whole family.
• Finishing chores on time builds responsibility and trust.
• A completed chore chart makes counselor discussions easier.
• Family members often have less stress when work is shared.
• Ninety days is about thirteen weeks.

Resources

• 10 Chores for Teens That Teach Them to Be Responsible Lifelong (video)
• Family Chores (video)
• Create a Household Chore Checklist in Word – Quick and Easy (video)
• Family Chores App (website)
• Chore and Allowance App (website)

Leader Tips

• Focus discussions on responsibility and helping the family.
• Help Scouts choose chores they can manage for 90 days.
• Encourage Scouts to keep simple and consistent records.
• Check progress occasionally during the 90-day period.

Requirement 4: Home Project

What You Need To Do

Choose and complete a home project that benefits your family. Get approval from your parent or guardian and your counselor before starting, then discuss the goal and results after the project is finished.

Helpful Tips

• Pick a project which helps your family in a useful way.
• Home improvement, yard work, meal preparation, and organizing projects all work well.
• Safety projects like checking smoke detectors or organizing a first aid kit also count.
• Choose a project you can complete mostly on your own.
• Make a simple plan before starting the work.
• Gather tools and supplies ahead of time.
• Break large projects into smaller steps.
• Take pictures before and after the project if possible.
• Keep notes about the goal of the project and the results.
• Finish the project before meeting with your counselor.

Resources

• Handy Teen Finishes House (video)
• How to Start a Project (video)

Leader Tips

• Focus discussions on planning, responsibility, and completing the project.
• Help Scouts choose projects which fit their age and skill level.
• Encourage projects with a clear benefit for the family.
• Review plans before the Scout begins the work.

Requirement 5: Family Project

What You Need To Do

Plan and complete a project which involves your family working together. After the project is finished, talk with your counselor about the goal, how family members helped, and the results of the project.

Helpful Tips

• Pick a project which interests the whole family.
• Volunteer projects, outings, hobbies, and cooking projects all work well.
• Family members should each have a role in the project.
• A simple project with clear steps is easier to manage.
• Write down the goal before starting the project.
• Make a basic schedule for planning and completing the work.
• Communication helps the project run smoothly.
• Teamwork often makes projects faster and more enjoyable.
• Keep notes about who helped and what was completed.
• Pictures can help document the project.

Resources

• Time Management (video)

Leader Tips

• Focus discussions on teamwork, planning, and family cooperation.
• Encourage projects with active participation from several family members.
• Help Scouts choose realistic projects with clear goals.
• Remind Scouts to document participation and results.

Requirement 6a: Running a Family Meeting

What You Need To Do

Learn how to plan and carry out a family meeting. Create an agenda, review it with your parents or guardians, and help lead one or more family meetings.

Helpful Tips

• Pick a quiet time when family members are available.
• Use a simple agenda with a few topics.
• Keep meetings organized and respectful.
• Let each person have a chance to speak.
• Stay focused on one topic at a time.
• Write down important decisions or plans.
• Short meetings are often easier for families.
• Regular meetings help families communicate better.
• Problem solving works best when everyone participates.
• Calm discussions help family members work together.

Resources

• Family Meeting (video)
• How to Hold a Family Meeting (video)

Leader Tips

• Keep discussions focused on communication and teamwork.
• Encourage Scouts to keep meetings simple and organized.
• Remind Scouts to listen respectfully during discussions.
• Support Scouts as they practice leadership skills.

Requirement 6b1: Scout Oath and Law at Home

What You Need To Do

Talk with your family about how the Scout Oath and Scout Law affect family life. Share examples of how Scouting values help people at home.

Helpful Tips

• Trustworthy family members keep promises and tell the truth.
• Helpful family members assist with chores and responsibilities.
• Kindness improves family relationships.
• Respectful behavior helps reduce arguments.
• Cheerful attitudes can improve difficult days.
• Responsibility builds trust in the home.
• Loyalty helps families support each other.
• Good decisions affect the whole family.
• Everyday actions often reflect Scout values.
• Family discussions work best when everyone listens.

Resources

• Scout Oath
• Scout Law

Leader Tips

• Avoid turning the discussion into a lecture.
• Encourage Scouts to use real examples from home life.
• Keep discussions positive and respectful.
• Help Scouts connect Scouting values to daily actions.

Requirement 6b2: Dangers and Addictions

What You Need To Do

Talk with your family about dangers and addictions facing youth today. Topics can include drugs, alcohol, tobacco, vaping, social media, mental health, gambling, or other harmful behaviors.

Helpful Tips

• Social media can affect sleep, stress, and self-esteem.
• Vaping and tobacco products can harm health.
• Alcohol and drugs can damage judgment and relationships.
• Gambling and debt can create financial problems.
• Mental health struggles are common and deserve support.
• Trusted adults can help during difficult situations.
• Healthy friendships support good choices.
• Stress management helps emotional health.
• Screen time limits can improve family communication.
• Honest family discussions help build trust.

Resources

• What Causes Addiction, and Why Is It So Hard to Treat? (video)
• Teens and Social Media (video)
• Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping (video)
• How to Identify the Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship (podcast)
• How Do I Start a Conversation About Mental Health? (podcast)
• Digital Safety and Online Scouting Activities (website)
• Bullying Awareness (website)

Leader Tips

• Keep conversations age-appropriate and respectful.
• Support a safe environment for discussion.
• Encourage Scouts to identify trusted adults for support.
• Avoid pressuring Scouts to share personal experiences.

Requirement 6b3: Growing Up and Responsibility

What You Need To Do

Talk with a parent or guardian about growing up, body changes, and responsible decisions. This discussion may happen with only one parent or guardian.

Helpful Tips

• Body changes are a normal part of growing up.
• Good hygiene becomes more important during adolescence.
• Responsible decisions affect health and relationships.
• Respect for yourself and others matters.
• Trusted adults can answer questions and provide guidance.
• Family values often guide personal decisions.
• Honest communication helps reduce confusion and stress.
• Privacy and boundaries are important.
• Healthy relationships involve respect and trust.
• Questions are a normal part of growing up.

Leader Tips

• Respect family privacy during this requirement.
• Allow parents or guardians to guide the discussion.
• Keep conversations professional and age-appropriate.
• Avoid asking Scouts for personal details.

Requirement 6b4: Family Finances

What You Need To Do

Talk with your family about personal and family finances. Learn how families budget, save money, and plan for expenses.

Helpful Tips

• Budgets help families manage money responsibly.
• Needs usually come before wants.
• Savings help prepare for emergencies and future goals.
• Bills and household expenses require planning.
• Careful spending helps avoid debt problems.
• Earning money often involves work and responsibility.
• Families may have different financial situations.
• Financial discussions should stay respectful and private.
• Good habits with money can last a lifetime.
• Planning ahead reduces financial stress.

Resources

• Money Management (video)
• The 50-30-20 Rule – Budgeting for Needs, Wants, and Savings (video)

Leader Tips

• Keep discussions general and respectful of privacy.
• Encourage practical conversations about budgeting and saving.
• Avoid comparing family financial situations.
• Focus on responsibility and planning skills.

Requirement 6b5: Crisis Situations and Support

What You Need To Do

Talk about crisis situations which can affect families and identify trusted people who can provide help and support during difficult times.

Helpful Tips

• Illness, job loss, accidents, and disasters can affect families.
• Emergencies can create stress and uncertainty.
• Trusted adults can provide guidance and support.
• Emergency plans help families prepare for problems.
• Communication becomes very important during crises.
• Community groups and relatives may also provide help.
• Mental health support is important during stressful situations.
• Staying calm helps people make better decisions.
• Families often work together during difficult times.
• Support systems help people recover and move forward.

Resources

• Family Bonding (video)

Leader Tips

• Keep discussions supportive and age-appropriate.
• Avoid asking Scouts to share painful personal experiences.
• Encourage Scouts to identify trusted adults and resources.
• Focus on preparation, communication, and support.

Requirement 6b6: Technology and Family Life

What You Need To Do

Talk with your family about how technology affects your household. Discuss both positive and negative effects of phones, computers, gaming, and social media.

Helpful Tips

• Technology helps families communicate quickly.
• Online learning and research can support education.
• Too much screen time can reduce family interaction.
• Devices during meals may interrupt conversations.
• Social media can create stress or distractions.
• Online safety is important for everyone.
• Family rules can help balance technology use.
• Shared activities help families stay connected offline.
• Sleep may be affected by late-night screen use.
• Respectful online behavior matters.

Resources

• Evolving Technology: Will Family Life Ever Be the Same Again? (video)

Leader Tips

• Focus on healthy habits and communication.
• Encourage balanced discussions about technology.
• Help Scouts recognize both benefits and challenges.
• Keep conversations practical and realistic.

Requirement 6b7: Etiquette and Manners

What You Need To Do

Talk with your family about good manners and etiquette. Discuss respectful behavior at home, in public, online, and during meals or conversations.

Helpful Tips

• Good manners show respect for other people.
• Listening without interrupting improves conversations.
• Polite language helps create a positive atmosphere.
• Table manners make meals more pleasant.
• Respectful online behavior is part of good etiquette.
• Thank-you notes and kind words show appreciation.
• Good sportsmanship matters during games and activities.
• Friendly greetings help people feel welcome.
• Punctuality shows responsibility and respect.
• Everyday manners affect family relationships.

Resources

• Etiquette (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to practice manners during meetings and activities.
• Use real-life examples of respectful behavior.
• Keep discussions positive instead of critical.
• Focus on habits which build respect and kindness.

Requirement 7: Parenting

What You Need To Do

Talk with your counselor about the qualities of effective parents and the responsibilities parents have within a family. Share your thoughts about how parents guide, support, and care for their children.

Helpful Tips

• Effective parents provide love, support, and encouragement.
• Clear rules and consistent expectations help families function well.
• Good communication builds trust between parents and children.
• Listening is an important parenting skill.
• Parents provide food, shelter, clothing, and healthcare.
• Teaching responsibility helps children prepare for adulthood.
• Quality time helps families stay connected.
• Parents often guide children through difficult decisions.
• Positive role models help shape character and values.
• Families may have different parenting styles and traditions.

Resources

• What Makes a Good Parent (video)
• How to Parent a Teen From a Teen’s Perspective (video)
• Being a Parent (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to focus on positive parenting qualities.
• Keep discussions respectful of different family situations.
• Allow Scouts to share ideas without pressure.
• Focus on communication, responsibility, and family support.

Project Planning Program Feature for Scouts BSA Troops

The Project Planning program feature is a great way for Scouts to practice teamwork and leadership. It ties in well with the Family Life merit badge, as both help Scouts build skills they can use in different parts of their lives. While the Family Life merit badge focuses on family responsibilities, the Project Planning feature teaches Scouts how to organize and complete projects as a group. Both encourage setting goals, solving problems, and working together.

One activity in the program is a Recycle Regatta, where Scouts plan and build boats from recyclable materials. This teaches planning, resourcefulness, and creativity. The skills learned here can help Scouts with family projects at home or troop activities. The Family Life merit badge and the Project Planning feature both show Scouts how to take responsibility and be effective leaders in their families and communities.

What is the Family Life merit badge?

The Family Life Merit Badge is one of the badges a Scout can earn in the Boy Scouts of America. It focuses on family dynamics, chores, and other aspects of household management.

Who can earn the Family Life merit badge?

Any Scout who fulfills the requirements can earn this badge. It’s advisable to consult your troop leaders and a Merit Badge Counselor to get started.

What are the main requirements for the Family Life merit badge?

The badge has several requirements, including tracking and doing daily chores for 90 days, holding family meetings, and completing a family project. Check the official handbook for full details.

Do I need a Merit Badge Counselor for the Family Life merit badge?

Yes, you need to work with a registered Family Life Merit Badge Counselor. They will guide you through the requirements and validate your completion.

How long does it take to earn the Family Life merit badge?

The badge requires at least 90 days to complete the chore tracking. Other tasks may take additional time. Plan accordingly.

What topics should be discussed in family meetings for the Family Life merit badge?

Topics can vary but should be relevant to family well-being. Examples include budgeting, vacation planning, and house rules.

How do I choose a family project for the Family Life merit badge?

Pick something meaningful that involves all family members. It can be as simple as organizing a family picnic or as involved as volunteering at a local charity.

Can I work on the Family Life merit badge with other Scouts?

While the badge focuses on family life, discussing your progress and challenges with other Scouts can be beneficial provided that requirements are met individually. However, the chores and meetings should be specific to your family.