What Makes a Happy Family?

Jim Burns, president of YouthBuilders, has given some great material to ponder in his book The 10 Building Blocks for a Happy Family (Ventura: Regal, 2003). I encourage you to take some time to reflect on your own family. I share the principles from page 11:

1. The Power of Being There. Your children regard your very presence as a sign of caring and connectedness.

2. Express Affirmation, Warmth and Encouragement.

3. Build Healthy Morals and Values.

4. Discipline with Consistency. Clearly expressed expectations and consistent follow-through produce responsible kids.

5. Ruthlessly Eliminate Stress. The unbalanced life will not be kind to the areas we neglect.

6. Communication is the Key.

7. Play is Necessary for a Close-Knit Family. There is nothing like play to bring about family togetherness and communication.

8. Love Your Spouse.

9. The Best Things in Life Are Not Things.

10. Energize Your Family’s Spiritual Growth. Your greatest calling in life is to leave a spiritual legacy for your children.