7 characteristics of a healthy family

Family, it is not just a word. It is a feeling as beautiful as its characteristics. It’s like an umbrella, a big shed that covers love, compassion, emotions, unity, and power. Positive vibes run through when we hear it.

Being a family means you are a part of something very wonderful. It gives us a sense of belonging and gives us reassurance that there is someone always as our support.

The first and forever blessing as you step into this world!

There are different types of families. Nuclear or joint, good or bad, close or far ones, some also become family by choice! But all are different and unique on their own. They are the pioneer in shaping one’s personality. They are the backbone that shapes our perspectives and mold our perceptions.

Each member of the house is important and collectively they form a family. They may differ in choices, likes, dislikes, hobbies, or interests; you may or may not like it, but you are a part of it. Right? So, how can we take the advantage of being a part of such an association? Can we? We can! How?

We all want our family to be the best, healthy and happy. Isn’t it? We also try our best to do so but somehow things do not work out. The reasons can be many. External forces also play their role. Let’s not forget, we are “one” part of it (family), it is also, ‘a part’ of us. Like a pendulum that swings back and forth. Ain’t interesting!

So, what characteristics make a healthy and happy family? Staying together? Doing chores for each other? Taking care of each other’s needs? Emotional closeness? Affection? Expectations? Time spent together? Family rituals and traditions?  These are the common traits seen in all families.

Families give us a sense of belonging, help us establish moral values, and give us reassurance that someone always has our back.

Is all this enough to make the family bond strong and unanimous?

What makes the family bonding special. Let’s check out some common aspects when it comes to family, and what you can do to nurture a healthy family?

Having at least one meal together per day

A family that eats together stays together. We all have heard so. And, that’s true. When all members of the family sit and eat together, at least one meal a day, those precious moments can be amazing. A lot can happen over a meal. They may share thoughts, celebrate occasions, discuss things or enjoy a movie together.

In today’s lifestyle, everyone is too busy to take a moment out for such things. But the family who shares such moments have healthy relationships among members.

Not having unlimited screen time

Screen time divides the family. How? Everyone loves to see their choice. Even the media has also become a big culprit by not showing enough family-oriented drama. Different generations hesitate to sit together and see. So, they look out for their privacy.

Keeping the pace, as it is beyond our control, it is okay to have our own gadgets/machines and see the interest of our choice. But, hey! Wait! It should be time-bounded. Even for the elders also. Unlimited screen time not only keeps us busy without work but also hampers and makes our brain ill. We should look out for it.

Play games together, go out for a nature walk.

Nature therapy is magical and should be a must for all. A family must make out time to go out in nature at least thrice a week or can have a good playtime on scheduled offs. They must play games for entertainment. A fun time is like a booster to revive your energies. Physical fitness plays an important role in developing mental health.

Also read: Mentally strong kids have parents who do these 4 things daily

Have rules, schedules, and boundaries

A family which has defined rule and set schedules know their limits and boundaries. They would not do anything which may harm them, others, or even the environment. They are kind-hearted. That means they are in self-discipline and control. When children observe their adults following discipline they will grab it. You may or may not teach them, but they will follow the same. A family is the first step and plays a very important role in teaching us lot many things in our growing years.

Parents must develop this habit in their children from an early age. They may set their schedules and routines. Once they understand its importance they may follow it forever. Such people grow into responsible citizens.

Communicate feelings with each other

Another important characteristic of a healthy family is sharing of feelings. A family that communicates or expresses their feelings, stands strong with each other. They seek and learn from each other’s experiences. They know they are and will always be their side, even they though may fear falling.

This motivates them to keep going no matter what they go through. It helps them to accept their failures and succeed in their dreams. They share a strong bond in all phases of life. Parents should ask these questions to their children. Discussing thing with children help them boost their self esteem and an ability to overpower all situations in life.

Accept and Not Expect

A family consists of different people who differ in their thoughts, views, or opinions. It may be a father-son duo, or husband-wife disagreement, or even a sibling’s fight. They clash resulting in no-decision. Everyone has a different perspective. In most cases, elders win believing they know it better. They never knew that the nextGen may or may not be like it.

Sometimes they may not like things belonging to them, sometimes they fail to bring the change. Many a time privacy becomes the question. Resulting, in parting ways to leave in peace. It happens in almost all families.

Now, how should we deal with such a case? Acceptance plays a bigger role. Accept the things which we can’t change. Accept what we can’t solve. Accept as they are! Expecting others to change and meeting your perception brings unhappiness.

So, the best way to live a healthy and happy life is to ‘Accept’ what and how it comes while dealing with family.

Family photoshoot Ideas

Set Family Goal

Family Goal is another characteristic that unites. Setting so, it motivates all to think like but maybe in different ways.

Another essential characteristic of a healthy and thriving family is their physical fitness. Instilling in children a sense of respect for their bodies should be nurtured from an early age. Limiting sugar, going on daily walks, eating a healthy diet should become a part of their living.

Well, there are no set criteria to form a healthy and happy family. It is all within us and among us. How do we want to carry it? What we can do to make it better? Are we doing our best to be together? What are our strengths and weaknesses?

One must ask these questions to oneself. If change is the answer, do it. Change begin with us.

If we change the way we think, things around us will change on their own.