5 Characteristics of a Happy Family

As parents, your number one goal is to cultivate healthy family relationships to provide a positive environment for your children. Nurturing them in a healthy environment is not only beneficial for their emotional well-being (and yours), but ensures their future success as they build a solid foundation before going out into the world. Here are some key characteristics of a healthy family.

The Family That Plays Together…
One fundamental characteristic of a healthy family is that they spend quality time together. Whether it’s achieved via mandatory dinners around the table together, taking walks together, board game night or your family’s favorite sports activity, it’s important to carve out time together as a unit. Sharing in activities that everyone enjoys helps build and strengthen unbreakable bonds as a family.

Family Comes First
A family that lives by this motto is a healthy one. Setting your priorities so that nothing comes before your family builds your children’s sense of security as they learn that they can always depend on their family. This peace of mind is vitally important to a growing child, as their sense of self-worth is greatly impacted by the security they feel within their family unit. Placing your family at the top of your priority list means that work can wait and the phone is turned off; nothing interferes with that special time you share together as a family. Do this for your kids, and reap the benefits for yourself as you enjoy the same security and comfort you helped create.

Communication is Everything
Engaging  in positive conversations regularly is crucial for nurturing a healthy family. Ensuring that your children and spouse feel they are confidently able to communicate feelings, celebrate accomplishments and share frustrations will continue to cultivate their sense of self. Families who feel individually valued are stronger as a unit, as they mutually respect and support each other. Showing you are willing to not only communicate in a loving way, but also carefully and thoughtfully listen to others will validate your children’s feelings of security within the family.

Adult Conversations Aren’t for Little Ears
Another characteristic of a healthy family is an understanding that adult conversations and disputes are not settled in front of the kids. Having the control to wait to discuss a conflict is a pivotal safeguard that protects the emotional well-being of your kids, and also demonstrates your own security in your relationship with your spouse. Witnessing disputes between parents can cause children to feel insecure in their environment and unsure of their future. Children thrive on stability, and part of that feeling of stability comes from the knowledge that their family unit is strong.

Together, You Can Handle Anything
Building coping skills as a family is probably one of the greatest gifts you can give your children before sending them out into the real world on their own. Life is tough, and when you tackle the tough stuff together, you equip your children with the tools to support others and show them that they will always be supported in their times of crisis. It can be very difficult to stay positive and maintain open lines of communication, but a healthy family does this through good times and bad.

Building a healthy environment for your growing family takes hard work and dedication. But when you put your family first, you will find that the other characteristics come as part of the package and will benefit not only your children but you and your spouse.