Emotional Development
Divorced parents can rein- force commitment to their kids by fostering a healthy co-parenting relationship with the former spouse.
* Quality Time
Healthy families spend time participating in en- joyable activities together. Family traditions, playing games and weekend outings are great ways to connect as a family. It could be something as complicated as a Thanksgiving dinner planned for a year on Pinterest or some- thing as simple as pizza Fridays. The main goal of spending time together is to share thoughts, feelings and identities. Research shows that families who eat din- ner together three or more times per week have kids who are more likely to have better relationships with their parents, perform better academically and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors, including drugs and alcohol. Healthy families respect the individuality of each member. Each child has a distinct personality, qualities and interests. Kids are free to pursue their own interests without pressure of expectations from parents. Each stage of life with children is exciting with new transitions, and they need the freedom to grow and change during these stages, even during the teen years.
* Spirituality 94
Healthy families have a religious or spiritual connection that correlates with an overall sense of family well-being. Spiritual beliefs and practices help families cope, be resil-
ient and find meaning in common moral principles to which the family is committed.
* Coping Skills
Healthy families come together in times of crisis, using coping skills such as en- couraging healthy expression of emotion, appropriate use of humor, seeking expert advice and accepting support from external places. Strong families are connected to their communities. Maintaining a supportive network of friends, relatives or neighbors is essential in times of family stress and crisis. By emphasizing and appreciating the uniqueness of your family structure, you can help boost your child’s confidence and self-worth, making it easier to face the challenges ahead. Likewise, you should teach your children to honor and value the uniqueness of other families, especially those with different family structures.
Jessica L. Peck, DNP, RN, CPNP-PC, CNE, CNL, is an Associate Professor at the University of Texas and has been practicing in pediatrics for more than 20 years. She is currently the secretary of NAPNAP.
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