10 key ways to create a strong family foundation.

Having a strong family is important, and in order to create it, families must create a strong family foundation. How do families create a strong foundation to build on and carry through difficult times.

Each family is different, which means that each family's approach to building a solid foundation will be different. While each will take a unique approach to foundational creativity, bringing their own values ​​and beliefs to their family, there are several key foundational family development factors that most families deal with.

Parents today live in a world where constant multitasking is the norm and it's hard to be present all the time. As you strive to build a strong family foundation, here are some ideas to take into consideration.

1. Try to be present when your family talks to you.

Put your devices down, try not to think about the many things you have to do right now, and actively listen to what the people you love are trying to tell you. When children are playing, spend time in their presence doing nothing but focus on them. During meals, enjoy conversation and company rather than focusing on cleaning the counters and washing the dishes.

2. Celebrate everyone equally and together. If your family has many people and children, there will always be some achievement worth celebrating. It's important to celebrate the accomplishments of family members, but don't forget to make all family members happy so that everyone shares special moments and accomplishments.

3. Respect each other

Family members must respect each other in order to have a solid foundation.

Focus on the positive, not the negative

Listen and consider other family members' points of view.

Try to be part of the interests and hobbies of family members

Practice courtesy

Learn to apologize

Set an example for children

If you expect your children to behave in a certain way, you will have to model their behavior. Families with strong foundations will choose behaviors and values ​​that are important to them and model them for younger family members. You can't expect children to be respectful, communicate effectively, or be present in other people's lives if their parents aren't.

4. There are boundaries.

You are your children's parents, not their best friend. While you'll want to build a relationship with your kids that includes many qualities of friendship, it's also important to set boundaries. Setting boundaries is critical to a child's development as well as building the foundations of a family and creating strong families.

5. Create Consistency and Expectations

Consistency in families is the key to success. Consistency does not mean that you do the same thing every day, but it does mean that family members can learn to expect certain rituals within the family. You may not always eat the same meals, or even eat them at the same time, but your family tries to have dinner together several times a week. Movie night may have to be rescheduled to different days of the week due to conflicting schedules, but you can still count on it to happen at some point or another.

6. Opening Communication.

Families with strong foundations learn to communicate openly and effectively with each other. Effective and positive communication helps families in many ways:

Tighten connections

Learn to trust each other

To solve problems

Offer support to each other

Show understanding and respect.

7. Keep your family safe.

For a family to have a solid foundation, there must be security within the family. Strong families create stability and security where everyone feels protected, loved and respected. All family members can count on this physical and emotional security, even during difficult times.

8. Work together for the common good.

When all family members work for the benefit of the collective, the common good helps to strengthen the foundations of the family. Of course, all family members will seek some element of independence and autonomy from each other, but at the core of each, they put the family first. Families with a solid foundation are not selfish, they put the needs of the family ahead of their own, and are concerned with the general health and strength of the whole family.

9. Create family values, goals and traditions

Families with strong foundations have a shared value system, family goals, and unique traditions that are celebrated and respected. Identify the values ​​that are important to you and find ways to make those values ​​a part of your children's lives. Focus on a few core family traditions and weave them into family affairs to strengthen bonds.

10. Consciously spend time together

Sitting in the family room and looking at your devices isn't exactly active participation. Create a time and place for you and your family members to spend time together without distractions every day. Plan trips, vacations, or device-free time to connect with those you care about.

Building strong family foundations does not happen overnight. There are simple family activities that parents can bring regularity into their family culture to help build and strengthen family foundations and bonds.

Cook and dine together

Attend religious ceremonies

Host a family book club

Have a family movie night once a week

Game evenings in the host family

Have everyone participate in large family projects (renovation, cleaning, gardening, painting)

Be active together (evening walks, family bike rides, hikes)

These simple actions performed over time will strengthen your family's bond with each other, strengthen their foundation, and make the family unit stronger.

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