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If you were able to time-travel and you asked someone who lived in 1900, what their main priority in life is; they would probably say “Having a healthy family.” If you asked someone in 1940, 1960, or 2010 the same question, you would probably get the same answer. Having a healthy family has always been a top priority. But, today’s family is nothing like the family in 1900 or 1950. We, as society changed our concept of what having a healthy family means.
The old days and the old ways
In the past, it was expected that the male partner would go to work every day and the female partner would stay home to take care of the children, home, and the needs of every member of the family. The female was not expected to get a higher education, to have a career, or to step outside of her defined lines.
Today’s families are different. A family unit may be a traditional male and female. The family may be a single parent, same-sex partners, grandparents raising children or adopted children. A family is defined by the people who love each other, support each other and nurture each other.
All people have the right to choose if they want to further their education, have a career, or dedicate themselves to the raising of children. To put it bluntly, we each have a right to create our version of a happy, and healthy family.
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6 Fundamental properties all healthy families need
No matter how you choose to live your life and raise your family, there are some basics that hold true for all healthy families. We are going to list them for you below.
- Leadership
Each member of your family has a particular position. You adore your child, but you cannot give your child a position of authority. Parents must be the leadership of the family. Parents must set the standards for the family and enforce the rules that are needed to be safe and healthy. Adults should adult in private and stand together when an issue arises. This gives children the feeling of security.
- Family hobbies
A family needs to have something that you do as a unit. It can be something like hiking, biking, or planting a flower garden. Teaching your child how planting something like Bee Balm Plants which you can later use for making salads or dry the leaves and make your kids a healthy and aromatic tea.
- Health
From an early age children need to be taught how to eat, exercise, and the impact of what they put in their bodies does for them. They learn from you. However, they are children. When there is a holiday, party, or event coming up that will feature candy; you do not want your child to feel like they cannot enjoy the event. Be proactive. Keep a supply of sugar-free lollipops in bulk in your home. Your child and their friends will enjoy their treats and they don’t need to know they are sugar-free.
- Communication and compassion
It is important to establish open communication with your children. But, be careful not to dismiss their concerns as trivial. They may seem small to you, but in their world, it is important to respect that.
- Attention
Many families have a superstar. One of the kids always aces the tests, hits the home-run, and looks great in anything they put on. Parents do not mean to ignore the other children, but it happens. It is important that each and every person has equal time in the spotlight. Point out each child’s strengths and attributes.
- Independence
As important as it is to come together, having alone time is a part of life. You need it as an adult and your child needs it in smaller doses so they will grow. They will learn to entertain themselves. They will learn to trust their instincts. They will learn to stand on their own two feet. You owe it to your children to teach them to stand on their own. They are only children a little while. It is your job to teach them to become self-sufficient adults.
As stated, you have a right to create the family you want. Our suggestions are just that. They are suggestions for you to consider. You may want to change them or replace them. Create your roadmap to success. Remember, there are little people following your every move.
I loved the leadership part. Also a parent must lead by example, if you are not leading a healthy life, eating unhealthy food, not exercising then you can not expect your children to eat healthy or workout.