Chapter 14 Family Life Today
365
Members of strong families support one another. They offer
affi rmation to each other and thus contribute to heightened self-esteem.
They also respect the individual uniqueness of each person, recognizing
both strengths and weaknesses. Healthy families value the contribution
each member can make.
Trust is evident in many aspects of family living. Spouses trust one
another. Parents entrust their children with responsibilities that help
them learn. This helps children feel a sense of worth and value in the
family. Children trust their parents and feel secure and loved in the
family setting.
The healthy family has a sense of play and humor. Family members
laugh with each other, and family get-togethers become a time of fun
and mutual relaxation. Members of strong families pay attention to
signs of stress. They use humor as well as empathy to diffuse tensions
or explosive situations.
14-3
Family members listen to each other’s opinions as they make plans for a
family vacation.