The Benefits of Healthy Families

Families are a source of emotional support, love, security and protection, reports Healthy Children 1. Healthy family relationships result in happy and secure children and give parents the ultimate reward of being important in the life of a child 13. Healthy families benefit each family member in important ways and help provide a unique sense of belonging and value that cannot be found in other relationships. The benefits of healthy families are far-reaching and all encompassing.

Moral Character

The love and support of family members motivates many people to continually strive to be better people. The development of strong moral character is one important benefit of a healthy family because it builds a bond between family members that is centered on a similar belief system 13. Healthy Children reports that families provide guidance to children regarding values, discipline and the internal code of conduct that motivates human behavior 13. A similar belief system can also encourage each family member to pursue his own interests while adhering to a strong set of personal beliefs and expectations, says Healthy Children 13. When each family member feels supported and valued it builds a healthy bond that encourages the formation of strong moral character 13.

Physical Health

Characteristics of a Healthy Family Relationship

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Healthy family relationships often translate to healthy eating and exercise habits as well. According to Kids Health, families who engage in healthy eating and exercise together will ultimately become a healthier and stronger family unit 2. Parents are encouraged to model and explain to children why eating certain foods is healthy and how exercise can benefit all aspects of a healthy life 1. Finding time to cook healthy meals together and engage in physical activity will build a stronger and healthier family that will benefit from being physically healthy. Kids Health also indicates that children who are taught how to eat healthy and exercise during childhood are more likely to become healthy adults who also raise a healthy family 13.

Independence

Healthy families encourage each member to become independent and self-sufficient. Healthy Children reports that parents can offer important and necessary guidance to their children to help promote independence that will serve a child as she grows up. Offering children increased independence as they grow will build healthy families that are secure and comfortable enough to disagree with one another while also supporting individual interests and opinions. Healthy Children indicates that autonomy builds a child's confidence while also teaching her important problem solving skills that will follow her in other relationships she builds throughout her life. Healthy Children also suggests that giving each family member a role or specific duties will help build a partnership that will allow for increased independence as a child grows 13.