Summary
- Studies show that resilient families share similar traits.
- Every family can work toward developing these traits.
- Read tips to help your family build the strength needed to weather hard times.
Every family goes through ups and downs. Some problems and challenges are worse than others. The death of a loved one, loss of a job, illness, drug or alcohol misuse or dealing with a difficult relative can all disrupt family life. It is important for families to learn how to cope with these bumps in the road. Healthy families are resilient. That means they can recover from a bad event and maybe come out stronger.
Studies show that resilient families share similar traits. The good news is that every family can develop these skills. Here are common traits of strong, healthy, resilient families, and ways your family can work to build on each strength:
1. Resilient families are committed to keeping the family together and strong.
They stick together when times get rough. They respect each other’s differences while maintaining family unity. How to build this strength:
- Show appreciation and respect for each family member.
- Support each other in good times and bad.
- Spend time together.
2. Resilient families are adaptable.
Resilient families accept that change is natural. If life throws them a curveball, they figure out how to make the best of it. How to build this strength:
- Develop a flexible family structure so each member can pitch in when necessary.
- Live in the present, plan for the future, and do not get hung up on the past.
- Have strong leaders with good organization skills.
3. Resilient families are active members of their community.
Resilient families have connections within their community. They work on building good relationships with their neighbors, place of worship, co-workers and friends. A strong community can help families in a crisis. How to build this strength:
- Identify and connect with positive people and organizations in your community.
- Learn what resources are available to families.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help and give help when needed.
4. Resilient families have good communication and problem-solving skills.
Resilient families have clear rules and messages. They work together to solve problems. How to build this strength:
- Hold regular family meetings.
- Share good news as well as bad news.
- Learn how to set goals and get organized.
- Take classes in communication skills and problem solving.
5. Resilient families accept and manage strong feelings.
Everyone gets angry and has strong feelings. Resilient families manage their emotions before they get out of hand. How to build this strength:
- Think before you express your hurt or anger.
- Watch your tone of voice and language.
- Be firm when someone crosses a line, but also practice forgiveness as much as possible.
6. Resilient families have a sense of hope and purpose.
A strong belief system is associated with resiliency. Religious and spiritual families can often find meaning in bad events and hope for the future. How to build this strength:
- Talk about what each family member believes and each member’s purpose and meaning in life.
- Connect with others who share your hopes and dreams.
- Reach out and help others.
7. Resilient families maintain a positive view.
Resilient families have a strong can-do attitude. How to build this strength:
- Make a list of each family member’s strong points.
- Do fun things together such as playing games and planning outings.
- Take time to relax and recharge.
Summary
- Studies show that resilient families share similar traits.
- Every family can work toward developing these traits.
- Read tips to help your family build the strength needed to weather hard times.
Every family goes through ups and downs. Some problems and challenges are worse than others. The death of a loved one, loss of a job, illness, drug or alcohol misuse or dealing with a difficult relative can all disrupt family life. It is important for families to learn how to cope with these bumps in the road. Healthy families are resilient. That means they can recover from a bad event and maybe come out stronger.
Studies show that resilient families share similar traits. The good news is that every family can develop these skills. Here are common traits of strong, healthy, resilient families, and ways your family can work to build on each strength:
1. Resilient families are committed to keeping the family together and strong.
They stick together when times get rough. They respect each other’s differences while maintaining family unity. How to build this strength:
- Show appreciation and respect for each family member.
- Support each other in good times and bad.
- Spend time together.
2. Resilient families are adaptable.
Resilient families accept that change is natural. If life throws them a curveball, they figure out how to make the best of it. How to build this strength:
- Develop a flexible family structure so each member can pitch in when necessary.
- Live in the present, plan for the future, and do not get hung up on the past.
- Have strong leaders with good organization skills.
3. Resilient families are active members of their community.
Resilient families have connections within their community. They work on building good relationships with their neighbors, place of worship, co-workers and friends. A strong community can help families in a crisis. How to build this strength:
- Identify and connect with positive people and organizations in your community.
- Learn what resources are available to families.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help and give help when needed.
4. Resilient families have good communication and problem-solving skills.
Resilient families have clear rules and messages. They work together to solve problems. How to build this strength:
- Hold regular family meetings.
- Share good news as well as bad news.
- Learn how to set goals and get organized.
- Take classes in communication skills and problem solving.
5. Resilient families accept and manage strong feelings.
Everyone gets angry and has strong feelings. Resilient families manage their emotions before they get out of hand. How to build this strength:
- Think before you express your hurt or anger.
- Watch your tone of voice and language.
- Be firm when someone crosses a line, but also practice forgiveness as much as possible.
6. Resilient families have a sense of hope and purpose.
A strong belief system is associated with resiliency. Religious and spiritual families can often find meaning in bad events and hope for the future. How to build this strength:
- Talk about what each family member believes and each member’s purpose and meaning in life.
- Connect with others who share your hopes and dreams.
- Reach out and help others.
7. Resilient families maintain a positive view.
Resilient families have a strong can-do attitude. How to build this strength:
- Make a list of each family member’s strong points.
- Do fun things together such as playing games and planning outings.
- Take time to relax and recharge.
Summary
- Studies show that resilient families share similar traits.
- Every family can work toward developing these traits.
- Read tips to help your family build the strength needed to weather hard times.
Every family goes through ups and downs. Some problems and challenges are worse than others. The death of a loved one, loss of a job, illness, drug or alcohol misuse or dealing with a difficult relative can all disrupt family life. It is important for families to learn how to cope with these bumps in the road. Healthy families are resilient. That means they can recover from a bad event and maybe come out stronger.
Studies show that resilient families share similar traits. The good news is that every family can develop these skills. Here are common traits of strong, healthy, resilient families, and ways your family can work to build on each strength:
1. Resilient families are committed to keeping the family together and strong.
They stick together when times get rough. They respect each other’s differences while maintaining family unity. How to build this strength:
- Show appreciation and respect for each family member.
- Support each other in good times and bad.
- Spend time together.
2. Resilient families are adaptable.
Resilient families accept that change is natural. If life throws them a curveball, they figure out how to make the best of it. How to build this strength:
- Develop a flexible family structure so each member can pitch in when necessary.
- Live in the present, plan for the future, and do not get hung up on the past.
- Have strong leaders with good organization skills.
3. Resilient families are active members of their community.
Resilient families have connections within their community. They work on building good relationships with their neighbors, place of worship, co-workers and friends. A strong community can help families in a crisis. How to build this strength:
- Identify and connect with positive people and organizations in your community.
- Learn what resources are available to families.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help and give help when needed.
4. Resilient families have good communication and problem-solving skills.
Resilient families have clear rules and messages. They work together to solve problems. How to build this strength:
- Hold regular family meetings.
- Share good news as well as bad news.
- Learn how to set goals and get organized.
- Take classes in communication skills and problem solving.
5. Resilient families accept and manage strong feelings.
Everyone gets angry and has strong feelings. Resilient families manage their emotions before they get out of hand. How to build this strength:
- Think before you express your hurt or anger.
- Watch your tone of voice and language.
- Be firm when someone crosses a line, but also practice forgiveness as much as possible.
6. Resilient families have a sense of hope and purpose.
A strong belief system is associated with resiliency. Religious and spiritual families can often find meaning in bad events and hope for the future. How to build this strength:
- Talk about what each family member believes and each member’s purpose and meaning in life.
- Connect with others who share your hopes and dreams.
- Reach out and help others.
7. Resilient families maintain a positive view.
Resilient families have a strong can-do attitude. How to build this strength:
- Make a list of each family member’s strong points.
- Do fun things together such as playing games and planning outings.
- Take time to relax and recharge.