I was perusing the magazine area of Barnes and Noble the other day, which I consider to be quite a treat. On a hot summer afternoon, I can think of few things that are as relaxing for me as some down time at a bookstore, drinking iced coffee, with no particular agenda in mind. While I was there, I picked up the most recent issue of Psychology Today, which included an article on developing a happy and healthy family. The article listed several suggestions that, when  present, can lead to greater family satisfaction, where each member feels a sense of security and significance within the family.

Some of these suggestions are ones we’ve all heard before, but still get at the heart of what builds family bonds and togetherness. Some ideas included sharing family meals, which provide opportunity for conversation and even problem solving together. Another suggestion was building rituals and routines together, including simple rituals such as having pancakes on Saturday mornings, or always singing the same song to your little ones before bed. Also emphasized was having fun and laughing together.

Every now and again, it can be helpful to take your family’s “temperature”—to ask yourself and members of your family, “how are we doing?” and “how are we nurturing our relationships together?” or even “what are our goals and values as a family and how are we making these real on a daily basis?” Maybe your family is right on target (a solid 98.6 degrees!) or would benefit from some extra TLC.  The discussions that can follow these types of questions can be affirming or give some direction in ways that your family can become healthier and happier together.

For more information on behavioral health issues, or to seek assistance, go to www.pinerest.org


So, what about your family—think about either the one you are raising or the one you came from. What specifically nurtures or nurtured your sense of togetherness and closeness? Feel free to pass along these ideas as you take your own family’s temperature.