What
makes "healthy families" healthy?
Healthy families have the
following characteristics:
- commitment to each other
- physical, spiritual and emotional wellness
- effective family communication
- appreciation of all family members
- meaningful and sufficient time together
- effective strategies to deal with stress
Commitment
is the expectation that
the family will stay together through good times and bad. Committed
families feel a sense of trust, belonging and unity. They solve
problems together, give time and energy to the family and develop family
interests.
Family wellness
refers to the
importance of all family members maintaining a healthy lifestyle
including proper nutrition, regular exercise, adequate rest and
relaxation.
Effective
communication maintains positive, healthy relationships,
helps solve problems and lowers stress. All families have conflict, but
dealing with conflict quickly and directly helps families stay
healthy. Here are some guidelines:
- Look for solutions where everyone benefits in some
way.
- Seek solutions in small steps. Focus on one thing at a
time.
- Understand that there are stages of conflict and that
emotions can become intense. Try to get beyond arguing and into
negotiation as quickly as possible. Use problem solving skills (listing
options, pros and cons, doing
research, getting help) to negotiate a solution. Come to an agreement
and make sure everyone knows what the solution or changes will involve.
Appreciation
shows that family members care about each other. Here are a couple of
ways to show appreciation: - Point out others' positive qualities.
- Show you care
through words, hugs, leaving notes, thoughtfulness.
Family time togetheris very
important and healthy families spend meaningful time together often.
This creates a sense of family identity and unity. Eating dinner
together, taking family trips, playing games, doing projects and going
for walks are some ideas for how to have more togetherness.
Strategies to deal with stress
are crucial to keeping families healthy. The following strategies can
be very helpful: - Keep a perspective on things. Stressful times often pass.
- Take
one day at a time and try to let go of worries. Use relaxation
techniques and make sure to exercise.
- Don't take frustrations out on each other. You need your family for
support during stressful times - don't add to the stress by creating
tension and resentment.
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