Dr LeCrone
05-21-2006, 09:56 PM
Last week I attempted to share with you my own personal observations and beliefs about happy, healthy families and my reasons for wishing that each of you could attain the goal of having a happy family.
Happy, healthy families have the following characteristics:
An atmosphere with a routine and predictable schedule.
Getting up at a set time each morning, leaving extra time for the broken shoe laces and popped buttons which inevitably occur cuts down on stress by leaving time for these unexpected events. Going to bed at a set time and allowing for plenty of sleep also promotes stability and good healthy. Eating meals together, not in front of the television set, showing genuine interest in each other’s activities, rather than bickering, fighting, and being preoccupied with problems, encourages good nutrition and relaxation. A time for work and a time for play help family members deal with stress.
Strong leadership at the head of the family. In two-parent families a unified and mutually agreed upon philosophy of discipline and child-rearing is found. Parents with divergent beliefs and expectations in this area are likely to have families with problems. Rules and limits which permit some flexibility and provide fire guidelines are much better than systems which encourage members to “play it be ear,” or to make the rules fit the situation. Self-discipline will follow when rules are understood and respected by all members.
Priorities. The needs of the family come first, careers of the heads of the household second. The priorities promote healthy communication and make the parents healthy role models for the children.
A strong spiritual atmosphere. Values and goals develop when parents provide a base for a belief in a divine being.
Good communication patterns. They listen to the joys and the dreams and the hopes, as well as the disappointments and the defeats. They express their feelings so that communication will always be a two-way street. They are forgiving.
Share responsibilities. Delegating, performing and sharing the every day duties of life are some of the most treasured remembrances siblings and parents have. Household tasks, planting a garden, building a fence – no matter how simple the task, the pleasure and the humor of the experience will remain.
Traditions and rituals. Whether t is decorating the Christmas tree while reminiscing about old and favorite ornaments, polishing the Hanukkah candles, hanging mistletoe, or baking old-time recipes from Grandma, a sense of continuity is enhanced.
Problems. But they have the ability to accept help from friends and relatives, churches, schools, other support groups or mental health professionals. These survivor families will have the courage to ask for help before it is too late they have the attitude that it isn’t the problem, but the way it is handled that matters.
The ability to take as well as give. If tragedy occurs, they will accept the help of friends and the community. By learning to take as well as give, parents demonstrate that help of others reaches beyond the family and enlarges their concern for others.
It may not be possible at all times for healthy, happy families to have all these characteristics. It is important, however, to remember that there is always room for improvement.
Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 1984
Happy, healthy families have the following characteristics:
An atmosphere with a routine and predictable schedule.
Getting up at a set time each morning, leaving extra time for the broken shoe laces and popped buttons which inevitably occur cuts down on stress by leaving time for these unexpected events. Going to bed at a set time and allowing for plenty of sleep also promotes stability and good healthy. Eating meals together, not in front of the television set, showing genuine interest in each other’s activities, rather than bickering, fighting, and being preoccupied with problems, encourages good nutrition and relaxation. A time for work and a time for play help family members deal with stress.
Strong leadership at the head of the family. In two-parent families a unified and mutually agreed upon philosophy of discipline and child-rearing is found. Parents with divergent beliefs and expectations in this area are likely to have families with problems. Rules and limits which permit some flexibility and provide fire guidelines are much better than systems which encourage members to “play it be ear,” or to make the rules fit the situation. Self-discipline will follow when rules are understood and respected by all members.
Priorities. The needs of the family come first, careers of the heads of the household second. The priorities promote healthy communication and make the parents healthy role models for the children.
A strong spiritual atmosphere. Values and goals develop when parents provide a base for a belief in a divine being.
Good communication patterns. They listen to the joys and the dreams and the hopes, as well as the disappointments and the defeats. They express their feelings so that communication will always be a two-way street. They are forgiving.
Share responsibilities. Delegating, performing and sharing the every day duties of life are some of the most treasured remembrances siblings and parents have. Household tasks, planting a garden, building a fence – no matter how simple the task, the pleasure and the humor of the experience will remain.
Traditions and rituals. Whether t is decorating the Christmas tree while reminiscing about old and favorite ornaments, polishing the Hanukkah candles, hanging mistletoe, or baking old-time recipes from Grandma, a sense of continuity is enhanced.
Problems. But they have the ability to accept help from friends and relatives, churches, schools, other support groups or mental health professionals. These survivor families will have the courage to ask for help before it is too late they have the attitude that it isn’t the problem, but the way it is handled that matters.
The ability to take as well as give. If tragedy occurs, they will accept the help of friends and the community. By learning to take as well as give, parents demonstrate that help of others reaches beyond the family and enlarges their concern for others.
It may not be possible at all times for healthy, happy families to have all these characteristics. It is important, however, to remember that there is always room for improvement.
Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 1984