7 Rules for Healthy Families
Published: Thu, 05/14/09
Hi ,
A few years ago, I wrote an article called 'The Smarter Kid Rules: How to Get Better Grades in School,' which was the most popular article I've ever written. To follow up that article, I thought I'd share some rules for building healthy families.Many families are under strain today, but with these seven rules you can safeguard your family and keep your connection strong.
1. We recognize each other's value. Each person has worth in God's sight. Learn to appreciate each family member's unique talents, gifts, and personality. If conflicts exist in the family, then pray that God work peace into the situation. Especially pray that God show you any communication errors you might be making and empower you to make corrections where necessary.
2. We are kind to one another. Often, we are more kind to strangers than the ones we love. Strive to give the most to the ones God has entrusted to your care. Speak good words to gladden their hearts and perform small acts of kindness for them. According to Proverbs 14:1, "The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands." Ensure that kindness is one of the cornerstones on which your house is built.
3. We are patient with one another. Recognize that every one is different. Accept that everyone makes mistakes. If you find yourself losing patience with a family member, then pray that God give you patience to bear with their flaws...just as God bears with yours.
4. We forgive each other. Be slow to anger, quick to forgive. It is said that holding unforgiveness in your heart is like drinking poison and hoping the other person will die. Do not allow unforgiveness to poison your relationships. Acknowledge your hurt but release the other person from any debt you feel they owe you...just as God forgives you.
5. We eat together. Eating healthy meals together sets a great example for your children and allows you to stay connected to your family. Involve your children in preparing nutritious meals and snacks so that you can train them to stay healthy. According to Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it." Children do what children see, so be sure they see you eating healthy and taking care of yourself.
Taking time to eat together at least once a week will also help to keep the lines of communication open and stay informed about each other's lives.
6. We play together. Taking a walk together, playing ball, or visiting the neighborhood pool can help your family stay physically fit, relieve stress, and just have more fun. Shared physical activities also builds relationships and emphasizes that good health is a priority for your family.
7. We worship together. Taking time to pray, praise, and worship together will anchor your family in God's love, which will increase your capacity to love one another.
Remember that as a child of God through faith in Christ, this earth is not your ultimate home. Treasuring your family every day is a wise investment of the time God has assigned to you here. So make your family's health a priority. The best gift you can give to your heavenly Father is a life well lived and a life well loved.
Want to know other ways to build a healthy family? Then one of the seven free bonuses you will receive when you order the Take Back Your Temple ebook is the 'Healthy Habits, Healthy Kids' eBook. You'll learn everything from how to prepare healthy snacks to ideas for playing together as a family.
1. We recognize each other's value. Each person has worth in God's sight. Learn to appreciate each family member's unique talents, gifts, and personality. If conflicts exist in the family, then pray that God work peace into the situation. Especially pray that God show you any communication errors you might be making and empower you to make corrections where necessary.
2. We are kind to one another. Often, we are more kind to strangers than the ones we love. Strive to give the most to the ones God has entrusted to your care. Speak good words to gladden their hearts and perform small acts of kindness for them. According to Proverbs 14:1, "The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands." Ensure that kindness is one of the cornerstones on which your house is built.
3. We are patient with one another. Recognize that every one is different. Accept that everyone makes mistakes. If you find yourself losing patience with a family member, then pray that God give you patience to bear with their flaws...just as God bears with yours.
4. We forgive each other. Be slow to anger, quick to forgive. It is said that holding unforgiveness in your heart is like drinking poison and hoping the other person will die. Do not allow unforgiveness to poison your relationships. Acknowledge your hurt but release the other person from any debt you feel they owe you...just as God forgives you.
5. We eat together. Eating healthy meals together sets a great example for your children and allows you to stay connected to your family. Involve your children in preparing nutritious meals and snacks so that you can train them to stay healthy. According to Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it." Children do what children see, so be sure they see you eating healthy and taking care of yourself.
Taking time to eat together at least once a week will also help to keep the lines of communication open and stay informed about each other's lives.
6. We play together. Taking a walk together, playing ball, or visiting the neighborhood pool can help your family stay physically fit, relieve stress, and just have more fun. Shared physical activities also builds relationships and emphasizes that good health is a priority for your family.
7. We worship together. Taking time to pray, praise, and worship together will anchor your family in God's love, which will increase your capacity to love one another.
Remember that as a child of God through faith in Christ, this earth is not your ultimate home. Treasuring your family every day is a wise investment of the time God has assigned to you here. So make your family's health a priority. The best gift you can give to your heavenly Father is a life well lived and a life well loved.
Want to know other ways to build a healthy family? Then one of the seven free bonuses you will receive when you order the Take Back Your Temple ebook is the 'Healthy Habits, Healthy Kids' eBook. You'll learn everything from how to prepare healthy snacks to ideas for playing together as a family.
Be blessed in health, wealth, and wisdom,
Kimberly Floyd, C.W.C.
Certified Wellness Coach
Author of the 'Take Back Your Temple' eBook
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