Listed below are some of the most common characteristics of healthy families.
- Open communication – Healthy families communicate effectively with each other.
- Effective conflict resolution – In healthy families, conflicts are resolved rather than avoided or repeated.
- Mutual respect – Healthy families create an atmosphere of mutual respect. Parents become role models for kids by being respectful to each other and to the kids.
- Honesty – Trust gets built on the foundation of honesty.
- Acceptance of differences – Healthy families don’t require everyone to be the same. There is an openness to each person’s unique personality, skills, and interests.
- Adaptable – Healthy families adapt when circumstances change. Rather than blaming each other, they look for solutions.
- Embrace change – Change is inevitable. Healthy families embrace changes rather than expecting everyone and everything to remain the same.
- Acceptance of feelings – Feelings are normal. Healthy families allow for the appropriate expression of emotions.
- A person is more important than performance – Healthy families value the person more than what they produce or accomplish.
- Failure is part of growth – Failure is seen as a normal part of learning. Instead of devaluing a person for their failures, healthy families support each other and grow as a result of their mistakes.
- Encouragement to try new things – Healthy families encourage each other to try new things and to take healthy risks.
- Individuals accept responsibility for their actions – Healthy families don’t blame other people for their mistakes. They take ownership of their own behaviors and faults and then work to improve.
- Rules are predictable, consistent, and fair – Healthy families create a sense of stability and safety by maintaining clear and consistent rules that make sense.
- Everyone contributes – Healthy families share in the chores and responsibilities of the house.
- Successes are acknowledged and celebrated – Healthy families celebrate individual successes.
- No yelling in the home – Yelling takes the joy out of the house. Healthy families resolve conflicts without yelling.
- Laughter is a normal part of the home – Because healthy families are more connected, laughter tends to come more easily. The mantra of “a family that plays to together stays together” is often true in healthy families.
- Encouragement is normal – Healthy families encourage each other in both the good times and the bad.
- Hugs, support, and guidance are abundant – Healthy families tend to have a lot of warmth, love and nurturing.
- Home feels safe – Home should be the place where you feel the most secure and safe. Healthy families create an environment where everyone feels safe.
- Individuals are encouraged to grow physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and socially – Healthy families support each person’s personal growth.
New Dimensions Can Help!
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms or problems, New Dimensions can help. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists can help you overcome these challenges and help you develop the skills you need to thrive. To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.
Our affiliate, MHThrive, provides Individual Therapy, Couples and Marriage Counseling, and Family Therapy at our locations in Katy, The Woodlands, and the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. We also provide telehealth therapy for anyone who resides within the State of Texas. To schedule an appointment with one of the MHThrive therapists, contact us at 713-477-0333 or visit www.mhthrive.com to learn more.