By James Kronefield

Family relationships are critical to the physical, mental, and social health of growing children. Family relationships are so important because they affect many aspects of our lives. Family relationships are strengthened when members relate to one another in order to solve problems, rather than seek to control other. Family relationships are often strained when there is insufficient income for the family. Family relationships are often portrayed as being supportive and an environment for growth yet not everyone is capable of providing the kinds of physical, emotional or mental support we need.

Parenting

Every child deserves to be wanted, loved, and valued for who he is rather than as a stopgap or replacement for a child one dreams of parenting. Parenting styles have a definite impact on children. The authoritative style of parenting fosters open communication and problem solving between parents and their children. In contrast, overbearing parenting may produce fearful and dependent children. Permissive parenting may result in rebellious children. And indifferent parenting may render hostile and delinquent children.

Health

Healthy families communicate their thoughts and feelings in a clear and direct manner. Effective communication is an important characteristic of strong, healthy families. Just as effective communication is almost always found in strong, healthy families, poor communication is usually found in unhealthy family relationships. Researchers agree that clear, open, and frequent communication is a basic characteristic of a strong, healthy family. Families that communicate in healthy ways are more capable of problem solving and tend to be more satisfied with their relationships.

Healthy family relationships teach children not only to develop trust and to be trustworthy, but that they are a part of something larger than themselves. Healthy relationships are those through which you are able to care for yourself physically and emotionally, communicate openly, be respected and respect the other person, resolve conflict and learn to compromise. Neither parents nor their children should be in charge all of the time; such a degree of control leads to unhealthy power struggles within the family.

Family relationships are an important part of our lives, from birth, to weddings, to our old age. Marital and family researchers have discovered that unhappy family relationships are often the result of negative communication patterns. Our family relationships are some of the most important (and frequently difficult) relationships in our lives. People who cultivate extended family relationships are at an advantage emotionally and are often more successful in their personal lives. Families and family relationships are among the basic blessings and challenges of human life.

Do you want to make your family relationships stronger? Learn how at http://familylivingtoday.com/