6 Things Healthy Families Have In Common

Family: to most people, the group of people they share their lives with are some of the most important people in the world. And for good reason; your family is where your roots lie. It’s from these people that you form your first and most lasting impressions about so many things. Your family provides the building blocks of your very character: your ideals; your morals; your goals – the things that matter most in life.
In other words, your family defines you in so many ways! That’s why it’s so important to establish a healthy lifestyle at home that will help to build your children up so that they can go on to live happy, well-adjusted lives. After all, research has found that children who come from a happier family tend to have more success in all areas of life.

Here’s a look at some of the traits that happy families share. If you can tick off most of these boxes, you can rest assured that you are doing things right.

You’re Committed to One Another

Sure, families can face obstacles. They argue and don’t see eye-to-eye at times, but even at the worst of times, they still have each other’s back. Happy families are strongly committed to each other. No matter what life throws their way or how frustrated or disappointed they may be with each other, they are still committed to one another, no matter what. Their love is unwavering and is never, ever questioned.

They Spend Time Together

Life is hectic. Between school, work, extracurricular activities, daily chores, and everything else that life throws your way, it’s often hard to find the time to get together and enjoy quality time with each other. However, no matter how busy life may be, healthy families make spending quality time together a priority. Whether it’s eating at dinner with each other, reading together, playing board games, taking walks, going on a bike ride, or just sitting and chatting, healthy families know that spending quality time together is crucial for everyone’s well-being, which is why they always make it a priority.

They Support Each Other

Even when parents or siblings don’t see eye-to-eye or have a difference of opinion, healthy families will put their differences aside and support each other. Support is one of the most powerful gifts anyone can every receive; it helps the members of a family establish their individuality while knowing that they are still loved, no matter what decisions they make and how much those decisions may drift from the ideals of their family. Healthy families never, ever tear each other down.

They Communicate

Communication is one of the most important components in any relationship, including the family dynamic. Healthy families openly communicate with one another, even if that communication is in the form of a heated debate. And when heads do butt, they find a way to make it through and work through their differences so they can really hear what the other is saying.

They are Affectionate

Human beings crave affection, and the family is where we receive our first experiences with affection. Confident children usually come from affectionate families; hugs, pats on backs, high fives and other forms of affection are given on a frequent basis.

They Appreciate Each Other

Healthy families have a true appreciation for each other, and they express that appreciation. Many thanks are given and gestures are shown that indicate they are appreciative. For example, parents say thank you after a child cleans his room, and a child thanks a parent after he or she cooks a meal. Not only do they thank each other for what they do, but they also thank them for simply being them. “I love you” is a term that is often heard in a healthy family.