6 Characteristics of Strong Families:
I came across interesting info about the characteristics of strong families while attending a workshop on the development and formation of eating disorders. The following characteristics are attributed to Dr. John DeFrain from the University of Nebraska. He reports that the six characteristics of strong families are:
1. Open communication including appropriate emotional expression
2. Expressed appreciation
3. Commitment (to the relationships within the family system)
4. Time spent together
5. Viewing crisis as an opportunity for growth
6. Spiritual wellness
Interesting, right? Again, we see spiritual wellness as an important characteristic – one that is so often overlooked – or dismissed. Expressed appreciation is good to see as well – how often do we expressed appreciation to/among our family members?
Food for thought…
Arlene 2:43 am on September 30, 2009 Permalink
Is there a gray area between the 6 characteristics of strong families and the 12 steps to raising at-risk kids? I think a lot of families might fall into the gray area! Thanks for another interesting blog!
Annamaria 7:42 pm on January 2, 2010 Permalink
So true!!!!!!
Carolann 6:53 am on February 4, 2010 Permalink
What happens when the family meets these characteristics, yet 1 child has lost his way despite all else? A lost child is not necessarily that result of a weak family or faulty parenting.
Jeff Brain 3:40 am on February 5, 2010 Permalink
Carolann – I agree with you and unfortunately, we do see this often – a child loses his way (and I like the way you put that) despite the love and healthy environment in the home. So often fingers get pointed toward parents when really this type of thing can effect any family. We know that despite what is known about good parenting (just like what is known for good teaching/education in schools) some kids do not accept and respond to our best. Children and teens are affected by so many forces and influences – and a child can be lured away into a life style that is inconsistent with the way they have been raised. This occurs in treatment to – two kids side by side, one gets better, the other doesn’t. Just today a mom expressed this same sentiment as she agonized about the possibility that her son may not be able to live with her – she wrote in part “at this point I think he wants freedom so badly that he sees no benefit to a stable, loving and boundary driven household.” Our hope and prayers are that seeds were planted and that they will find their way in time because they had the experience of being loved, accepted and cared for – that it will be a desire to return to that one day. Not unlike the story of the prodigal son, the father waits for his son to come to the end of himself before he returns – and what joy is there for both of them when they are re-united. For those with mental health issues, engagement with appropriate treatment is so important to help secure that stability of thought and mind.