Characteristics of a strong family The following is a list of qualities that make a family strong: n Godly parents: The most powerful elements in the family are a godly mother and father who love the Lord and are devoted to Him. His family will be identified by similar traits based on what He teaches us in the Holy Bible. With healthy, committed relationships, the entire family is protected and strengthened. One … A family must have open, straightforward, and honest conversations with each other. Meaning, the most basic characteristic of a strong family is that they stick together no matter how troubling the times are and even when attacked by someone from the outside. What Makes a Strong Family: The Five L’s #1 Learning. Through laughter, it is possible to see everyone more honestly and objectively. The foundation for these strong families is love. FACTORS? Researchers across the country and around the world have found that strong families have a wide variety of qualities that contribute to a family’s well-being. Strong families teach by example and learn through experience as they explain and execute their values. 1. — Strong and resilient families express commitment to each other by making time with family members a clear priority and working actively to create satisfying family relationships. SOCIAL. A strong family gives its members the support they need to make it through life’s toughest spots. It is a known phrase that laughter is the best medicine, and this applies to strong families too since humor is the best escape valve for any tension in the family. The … MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. “In the family, there is strength that all … It could be as simple as getting together over the weekend to play board games and so on. A spiritual family. It is just a sense of greater power or good in life. Families can include single parents, two parent families, grandparents raising grandchildren, foster parents and others. Some recommended products may use affiliate links. A respect for differences and awareness of individual boundaries. This information is for educational purposes only. For more information on caregiving or family issues that affect you and your family, visit the eXtension and MSU Extension websites. Remember those family dinners back in the “time” category. Family includes people we love and those who love us; those we are connected to through a shared history and experience. Sharing positive feelings with one another and also being nice to everyone in the family are just a few of several ways to show affection and appreciation. Connectedness with other social systems, and open to other viewpoints, lifestyles and perceptions. It is only in a family where we first learn about all of our skills, values, and behavior. In short, commitment means truly respecting, accepting, trusting one another, and putting your family first in every aspect. ... (FBNI), embarked on a three-year global study to discover what makes up family gravity. W. Robert Beavers (Psychotherapy and Growth: A Family Systems Perspective, 1977) 1. They guide their children into the world outside the home. Sincere appreciation is frequently expressed. Spend time together– Relationships are somewhat like a garden. Strong families manage and control their learning experiences. On an upside, all the crisis and stresses are a brilliant way for a family to help each other and further strengthen their bonds by coming out of such times victoriously. Spending more enjoyable time together is a guaranteed way to build a strong family. There will be nothing called a strong family if there is no love present. As adults, we often tend to look back in time and think about our own childhood and all the happy memories. No matter who belongs in your definition of a family, what we share in common is that a family means a person or a group of people who love us unconditionally and whom we love too. It was the early 1970s and DeFrain notes that the American view of marriage and family wasn’t exactly rosy. Handling Conflicts as a Parent Balance your role as a parent with your child’s need for freedom. The definition of family is individual, and each is important. They work together, play together, and enjoy … A healthy home is where people express anger in HEALTHY ways. So, what makes a strong family? One kid can make the salad while another sets the table. What do you think of when you hear the word “family?” You may consider your parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Strong families have warmth and care, good communication, predictability, and strong connections to others outside the family. Ultimately, your family values will be specific to you and your family unit. posters are available in English, Spanish and Chinese. The family is comfortable with difference… It takes intentional, purposeful commitment. God is also in the process of gathering to Himself a family. 6 Traits of Strong Family Businesses Based on a three-year study. Strong Families, Strong Students Is a grant program funded by Idaho’s Coronavirus Relief Funds, which provides Idaho students access to grant dollars that can be used to purchase educational goods and services that their families decide their students need. It is important to look at your current strengths and identify a plan to strengthen areas of weakness. Communication is a key to having a strong and well-grounded family. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a religion. Healthy families enjoy being together. Researchers across the country and around the world have found that strong families have a wide variety of qualities that contribute to a family’s well-being. You can always improve what’s going on if you’re willing to work at it. They may be connected to us biologically or even through just a shared experience and history. A strong family always comes with a sense of loyalty and a strong devotion to every member of the family. Only family members who are truly committed to each other can have a strong family. To be a truly successful family, Mr. Maranville says it … That means that for every individual, the definition of family is very different and it does not mean that it is incorrect. These traits have been found across all racial, social and economic groups as wells as in families across the globe. Researchers have studied carefully the attributes found within successful, happy families, and believe the following six characteristics to be vital foundational principles for fostering strong family relationships. Jeffrey W. Dwyer, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. Loving connections between family members are a critical building block of the family. c. Make a commitment to come to church together. It is a given that there are ups and downs in every family. Strengths come from how family members interact with each other, how they treat one another, and what families do as a group and as individuals to support the … They select appropriate television programs. Fortunately, there are lots of concrete steps you can take to make your time with your family more enjoyable and fulfilling. Troubling times are meant to pull family members apart from each other, which is why it is essential to work hard together and not let outside forces affect the strong family bond. A strong family gives its members the support they need to make it through life’s toughest spots. "What Makes Your Family Strong?" This is a body of research that looks at strong families in order to identify what makes them strong. When you are not getting positive vibes at home, then where else would you get it? When challenges arise, as they sometimes will, the strong family will work together to endure or solve the problems. All the variables mentioned above are what makes a strong family. “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Eph. The surprising truth is that when a person understands anger and learns how to express it in healthy ways, it can be an ally and actually lead to increased trust, greater intimacy, and stronger relationships. ADVERTISEMENT. Strong, solid family relationships don’t just happen; there are critical elements that must be there for these family ties to develop. Researchers believe that a combination of traits makes a family strong rather than just one single characteristic. PROTECTIVE. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464). This special blog series will be published here on Faith Along the Way and feature posts by 25 of the BEST Christian and family writers. “In every conceivable manner, the family is a link to our past, and a bridge to our future.” – Alex Haley; 2. Read these 60 family strength quotes to help make your family’s bonds grow stronger, whatever happens. All families have challenges, strengths and areas where they can grow. There are no real specific enjoyable activities that strong families prefer, but they do tend to show an appreciation for group adventures — even ones as simple and inexpensive as a spontaneous Sunday hike. Before DeFrain’s research led him to the six culturally universal traits that make a strong family, he was practicing as a family therapist. Different patterns are essential for a strong family, which creates a great environment for every member. Spend Quality Time Together. Family is lifelong friends. A strong family must be able to manage all the stress involved with it and be positive in times of crisis in every possible manner. Family is about the friendships you make. You may want to consider taking a family strengths inventory that can assist you in making a road map for change in areas that appear weak. 8 Ways to Build a Strong Foundation For Your Kids. Make meals together. Looking after yourself is an important part of raising a strong family. Through the Strong Families, Strong Students program Idaho families are provided access to grant funds to help with their students learning. WHAT. We also look back and think about all the mistakes we made and how things could be different. These traits have been found across all racial, social and economic groups as wells as in families across the globe. This is particularly important in co-parenting families. This summer, make your family a priority and join the Strong Family Project for encouragement and inspiration for all things family. In fact, they feel that spending time together is valuable and necessary. December 2, 2016. Use all of them to bring your family closer together. Strong families are not families without problems. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. If you want to have a strong and happy family, then follow Joshua’s commitment: But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord! This does not affect our reviews, which are as impartial as possible. CONNECTIONS. Build new customs and rituals that are fun for every member of the family, and these don’t have to involve you spending a ton of money. Search Institute's framework of Family Assets grows out of a great deal of research on family strengths. It is a given that you must spend a lot of time with your family and be understanding with everyone in it for it to be strong. Improving your family life can help make your family members closer and prevent conflicts from getting in the way of everyone's happiness. What Makes Your Family Strong? In his book “The Intentional Family,” family therapist William Doherty includes many family rituals you may want to include as you work to strengthen your family foundation. This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. No matter who you include, we all share one thing. 9. Strong families help children feel safe and secure. As long as you are happy around your family it will stay strong and your parents and siblings can feel like friends to you." Sometimes, there are periods in life that are testing. When we include people in our definition who are not related to us, they are sometimes referred to as an intentional family. Strong families have open lines of communication -- where all family members feel heard and respected. Strong families are not families without problems. Schedule Family Time. SECOND, IN ORDER TO HAVE A STRONG AND HEALTHY FAMILY, WE MUST SPEND QUALITY TIME TOGETHER. 5-6). Family is not about who is in your family or who you consider family as much as it is about how your family functions. When we are asked about our opinions about the word family, a whole lot of us would first consider our parents, followed by our siblings, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and so on, while some would say family means their close friends. Youth and adults at the 2010 Big Tent Conference in Houston, TX talk about what makes their families strong. RESILIENCE. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Heather, 13, Glasgow "I think what makes a happy family is to keep things fair and to always care about each other, and love each other. Learn about the Strengthening Families Framework and the 5 Protective Factors that make your family strong. Such values can be a source of strength for family members when life becomes difficult” (Sean Brotherson, “Building a Strong Family,” Family Connections, pp. Strong commitment to everyone in the family involves spending time and energy in all the family activities and not allow outsiders to take priority over family members. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. 2. Complementary rather than symmetrical power roles. I have chosen to identify ten critical family strengths that have been identified repeatedly in research on what it is that makes families strong. Matthew, 13, Didcot "A good family is happy and loving - it's not all about money." Families are where we learn values, skills, and behavior. Sometimes we are. These include: These two qualities are necessary for any strong family as they show that the individuals care for each other. They establish a pattern of home life. Strong families have good communication. Strong families have open lines of communication -- where all family members feel heard and respected. Providing a good foundation is easier said than done. Read here. All of the strengths identified are connected and are not mutually exclusive. Time Together. PARENTAL. Have you ever given that a thought? Explore qualities your family already has and those you can work on. Intimacy is attained via skillful communication. If you purchase those items through our links we will earn a commission, but this will not cost you anything or increase prices. Stick with it and the rewards will outlast you. Family is about being harsh. Charlevoix, Emmet, & Antrim Counties. Be positive. Without proper care and attention the weeds take over. First, there is the study of family strengths per se. Every human wish to love and to be loved, and the very first place where you will find unconditional love is in a strong family. They are listed below. A strong family learns to embrace the work-in-progress of loving and forgiving one another. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They are prideful that you are a part of their family, and they are the … Solid parental coalitions and clear role definition without rigid stereotyping. A strong, unified family will require more time, effort, energy and “re-dos” than you might imagine. Commitment: They make their relationships a high priority. Family is important, and to simplify what makes a family strong, we believe that there are actually five L’s and they are: It is only in a family where we first learn about all of our skills, values, and behavior. Appreciation: They let other family know, daily, they were appreciated. These rules are created on the basis of understanding each member and is not something that is forced on anyone. When a relationship is built on a firm foundation it can withstand the hiccups of daily life and the unexpected moments of chaos. Protective Factors are characteristics that help families stay strong so that they are better able to face challenges and thrive. A characteristic of healthy families is that they spend time doing enjoyable activities together. A strong family will devote particular days in a month for fun time. Family is about wanting to be around one another, not being forced to be around one another 11. Commitment– ‘Putting family first’ means that everyone takes time to consider how their decisions … Leadership is a must for any strong family, and typically, the adults must take charge of leading the whole family. 4. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Also, a strong family can guide a child into the outside world and not let social forces rule their life as they can teach everything by example. When we talk about positive communication, we mean by telling exactly how you feel and not putting down anyone for their thoughts and opinions. #3 Love. Michigan State University Extension suggests taking a moment to think about who you include in your family, as each of these people play an important role in your life and the lives of your children. Some of you might mention cousins, yet others would say a close friend or neighbor. Family Values: The Foundation of a Strong Family. This refers to the faith, hope, and all the optimism that a family shares. Being harsh. It takes time, a positive attitude, and a whole lot of attention. Pride. The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707. study on the characteristics of strong families, Remote Learning and Resources for Those at Home During COVID-19 Pandemic. Family may be blood, but to me, family is also those lifelong relationships you never forget and fight to never lose. What Makes a Strong Family: The Factors Involved, What Does It Take To Make A Relationship Work: Couples Secrets, What Kind of Relationship Do I Want: Figuring Out Your Love Life, Why is Family Important: The Undeniable Reasons, How to Start a Relationship: Things You Need to Know, What Does Family Mean to You: The Multiple Definitions. How do you face the challenges of life and parenting? 4:32 (NASB) We could probably list several more characteristics of strong … Patience, understanding, honesty, and forgiveness is the atmosphere of genuine love, and these things don’t just happen overnight. There are five major protective factors: Parental Resilience; Social Connections A strong family always comes with a sense of loyalty and a strong devotion to every member of the family. This is often described as a force that can help every member of the family to reach beyond just themselves and allow them to become a part of something larger. Don’t give up. A strong family can manage and control these learning experiences, and they are able to establish a far better pattern for life at home, by selecting the appropriate books, TV shows and so on. Family is about pride. An encouragement of autonomy. A review of the literature on successful families suggests two general strategies that have been used to uncover the ingredients that make for family success. A strong family culture is built upon a unified family focus, a calm tone (that promotes love and safety), pre-planned skills for communication and problem solving, meetings to check up on how the family is doing and to promote strong relationships, and pre-established family standards. What makes YOUR family strong? These common characteristics all contribute to family happiness and strength. What’s more, any family can develop them — no matter where or who they are. ARE. Researchers from the University of Nebraska conducted a study on the characteristics of strong families and they recognize six major qualities that strong families share. Nonetheless, there are a ton of reasons why a family bond is strong, and that is what we aim to discuss. Whether you have school-age children or teens, it takes planning to set aside … Becoming a strong family doesn’t happen automatically. Strong families have good communication. 3. Loyalty also means being together during failure, sickness, and bad fortune. wants us to have strong, loving families. Strong families appear in different ways, shapes and forms. So, in order to have a strong family, they should have their own set of guidelines and rules. It will often seem like everyone’s working against each other. by . For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. II. Want to learn how to fix a broken relationship? Teach and use appreciative language and gestures. Gail Innis, Michigan State University Extension - To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. If there is no one in the family who would take leadership, the entire family will weaken. Life can be stressful, and parenting can be tough. There may be compromises made through conversations, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. A strong family... #2 Loyalty. Often the best part of the meal is the making of it.