Family is one of your greatest assets. People with strong family relationships are happier and healthier than those who don’t have supportive families. Families provide unconditional love, support, and encouragement. They are a place where you can be yourself without judgment or fear of rejection.
Family is more than just about blood relations too; it’s an ever-growing network that includes friends and even pets! A strong family unit also has grandparents as well as aunts and uncles to share in the raising of children.
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What does family-oriented mean?
Family-oriented means that family is a priority.
When you have a family-oriented mindset, it means that you think about your family first and foremost when making decisions. It also means that if there’s something in your life that is not working for the good of your family (like unhealthy habits or relationships), you make changes to bring balance back into their lives.
Why is it important to be family-oriented?
Family is a framework for building skills, values, and economic security that extend into adulthood. Many research studies show that children with involved parents tend to be more successful in school, are less likely to engage in substance abuse or commit crimes, are better able to manage stress, and are more likely to form strong relationships with friends.
Parents who prioritize family have a better sense of themselves and their priorities as parents. They feel confident that they can effectively balance the needs of children and adults in their lives.
Parents who prioritize family are more likely to make healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating well and exercising regularly.
12 ways to be more family-oriented
- Choose to be more present.
- Ask for help from family members when needed.
- Be open about your feelings and thoughts with others in the family unit.
- Make time to have family fun together.
- Find new ways to show love and support for your family.
- Talk with loved ones about family goals, dreams, fears, ideas.
- Pay attention to what others are saying (active listening).
- Keep a shared calendar where all family members can input their schedules and events.
- Be forgiving and strive for reconciliation when there are disagreements between members of the unit, as no one is perfect!
- Show unconditional love by not bringing up past wrongs or mistakes.
- Have family meetings to resolve issues and make plans as a family.
- Be intentional about bringing family members together.
The Bottom Line
Family-oriented people prioritize their family first. It’s great for parents because they are more likely to make healthy decisions, take care of themselves, and be good parents. And it’s great for kids because they are more likely to be successful, have less stress, and form strong relationships.
What You Should Do Next…
1. Snag Our Connected Parent Challenge
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2. Join Our Free Online Community
Connect with like-minded moms (and dads!) in our free online community. You’ll find a plethora of resources to help you through your parenting challenges. Plus, you’ll find me there! And I’d love to connect.
3. Take a Free 60-Minute Parenting Webinar
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