What Makes a Family Healthy?
Flexibility - A healthy family is flexible. The more uptight and rigid the family
structure is, the less room there is for growth and individuality. A healthy family encourages independence.
Love and Respect - A basic model for healthy families is a caring, respectful
relationship between the mother and father. In single-parent families, mothers or fathers nurture adult relationships
that give children caring support. Every family encounters conflicts and differences of opinion, but in a healthy family
each family member knows they are loved and valued.
Open, Honest Communication - Members of healthy families can openly discuss their feelings,
express their needs, and say what they think. Each individual needs to know their feelings are important.
How would you answer the following questions?
- Do your family members communicate their feelings?
- Do your family members share leisure time together?
- Do your family members trust each another?
- Do your family members respect and recognize each other's personal
boundaries?
- Do your family members share responsibilities?
- Do your family members affirm and support one another?
- Do your family members seek help when problems exist?
If you answered "NO" to one or more of these questions, consider talking with a counselor at one of
Lutheran Family Services' office locations.
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