How to Increase Family Support

Healthy families have a very important asset, strong family support. It's important for today's youth to feel a strong sense of family support. The following article discusses ways to increase this in your home.

Instructions

1. At home, give more hugs and verbal reinforcement. Don't assume your kids know how much you love them--tell them. Be generous with your emotional support.

2. Let your love for your children show in the way you look at them, the words you say, your tone of voice and your body language. Kids can read body language. Make yours as positive as possible.

3. Know that it's not true that all kids want their parents to stop hugging them once they become teenagers. Ask your children to tell you what feels comfortable for them, respect their boundaries. You would be surprised to know how many teenagers like a hug when their friends aren't around.

4. Set aside at least one evening a week for family activities. Brainstorm as a family things you might like to do, then agree on which ones to try. Be open to ideas from all family members, and be willing to share your children's interests. Having fun together increases family togetherness.

5. Spend time with each of your children individually. Try to make this a daily event--10 minutes after school, a half hour before bedtime, or an hour on Saturday morning. Let them know that your time together is important to you. In addition to time together as a family, each child needs to know that they have a special relationship with you. It's not a contest, show that you have enough love to go around to each of them.

6. Talk with your kids about what would make your home more comfortable and inviting for them and their friends. Take steps to address any concerns. Taking their thoughts and suggestions in to consideration shows you respect their opinion also which in turn makes them feel supported by their family.