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Six Traits of Healthy Families
by Steve Goodier
It takes some adjusting to live in a family. Like changing your
attitudes about children and the kitchen. I used to by picky. But my
philosophy now is -- if it walks out of the refrigerator, let it go!
Some people never make the adjustments. George Burns used to say,
"Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in
another city." But for most of us, happiness is making the most of our
family life, in whatever form and shape that family exists.
Family consultant Dolores Curran published what she considered "Traits
of a Healthy Family" (Mass Market Paperback, 1984), drawn from
responses of more than 500 professionals who work with families. Here
are a few of the top qualities shared by families considered
"healthy."
- Communication and listening. Are you working at this?
- Affirmation and support. A southern (USA) migrant worker told a
sociologist that "home is a place to go back to if things get rough
out there." If you cannot receive affirmation at home, where else are
you going to get it?
- A sense of play. Charlie Shedd says, "Whenever parents ask me, 'How
can I keep my children off drugs?' I say, 'Have fun.'"
- Shared responsibility. Everyone helps out; everyone pitches in.
- Trust. The fastest way to drive a wedge between family members is to
violate it.
- Shared religious core. Does your family share similar spiritual
goals?
Follow these six traits to make the most of your family life!
Steve Goodier's books & newsletter:
http://LifeSupportSystem.com
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