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Healthy Family Practices

Creating an environment in which your family can thrive and grow starts with a few basics.

Make Time Your Priority
Time is the most important gift we can give each other. Unfortunately, it can be hard to come by these days. “Parents can get into quite the frenzy as they attempt to juggle a wide range of commitments and responsibilities,” write Jukes and Cheung in Be Healthy! It’s a Girl Thing (Crown Books, 2003). They recommend families schedule time together so kids can get what they need most: their parents’ undivided attention.

Another benefit? Making time for family teaches kids that quality together time is a priority — a value that they’ll carry with them into adulthood and model for their own children.

Build Strong Bridges
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), many parents think the main purpose of communication is to get information to their children. “Telling children to eat their vegetables and reminding them to look both ways before crossing the street are expressions of love and caring.” But, the AAP claims, communication has another important function: connecting you with your child emotionally. “Healthy communication — the kind that builds a strong two-way bridge — is crucial in helping your child develop a healthy personality and good relationships with you and others.”

Strengthen Your Commitment
Commitment means being together in good times and bad. You can strengthen your sense of commitment by giving time and energy to the family on a daily basis — and by developing family interests. This benefits everyone, claims Suzanna Smith, associate professor of human development and family relations at the University of Florida in Gainesville. “Committed families feel a sense of trust, belonging and unity. They solve problems together and look toward the future; this gives the family purpose and direction.” And that makes it easier to support each other through the challenges and joys of getting healthy.

You can also strengthen your family bond by discussing your family goals and values, and then writing a family mission statement or creating a family vision.

Celebrate Together
While commitment helps bring people together, it doesn’t mean the family should overshadow the individual. “Strong families know that family members will grow and develop individual identities,” writes Smith. “They affirm and appreciate positive qualities, and encourage and support each other.” Take time to celebrate the small achievements of each family member. And make gatherings — especially daily events like eating dinner together — positive so that everyone looks forward to family time.