qtmeztiza
12th Feb '08 Tue, 18:54
1. We laugh often.
We have enough comfort and joy in our lives that laughter is sprinkled throughout our day.
2. We share at least one meal a day together.
Our meals are devoted to nourishing our bodies and our family relationships. Meals are essential and secure times to debrief, inform, and discuss what's going on. The ritual of preparing and sharing connects us to one another.
3. Quiet time and privacy is encouraged and respected.
In our busy "out-there" adventures of school, work, and the media...home is a shelter for self care.
4. It's always time to talk and be heard. No topic is forbidden, the door is always open.
Words, such as "I love you," "thank you," "please," and "I appreciate you!" are spoken every day. Remember, we were given two ears and only one mouth!
5. We choose our entertainment carefully.
We are conscious of our diet and frequency of movies, television, radio and the news. We discuss passive versus active recreation and entertainment.
6. Our family values and expectations are clear.
By age seven or eight, a child should be able to identify and discuss "What's really important to our family." It's these known values which orient and anchor our decisions about our lives.
7. Our focus is on spiritual, emotional, and physical health.
Accomplishments are acknowledged, possessions are respected, but they are not the currency for attention and love.
8. Our family lives simply.
We don't have extra demands and activities that keep us stressed out and too busy to enjoy what's essential.
9. We have strong connections with others.
We are thankful for our mentors, role models, and caring families and friends. Our network provides a "safety net" in good times and hard times.
10. Our home is reasonably orderly and comfortable.
There are systems in place that allow the basics to be handled consistently and with an "all-hands" effort.
We have enough comfort and joy in our lives that laughter is sprinkled throughout our day.
2. We share at least one meal a day together.
Our meals are devoted to nourishing our bodies and our family relationships. Meals are essential and secure times to debrief, inform, and discuss what's going on. The ritual of preparing and sharing connects us to one another.
3. Quiet time and privacy is encouraged and respected.
In our busy "out-there" adventures of school, work, and the media...home is a shelter for self care.
4. It's always time to talk and be heard. No topic is forbidden, the door is always open.
Words, such as "I love you," "thank you," "please," and "I appreciate you!" are spoken every day. Remember, we were given two ears and only one mouth!
5. We choose our entertainment carefully.
We are conscious of our diet and frequency of movies, television, radio and the news. We discuss passive versus active recreation and entertainment.
6. Our family values and expectations are clear.
By age seven or eight, a child should be able to identify and discuss "What's really important to our family." It's these known values which orient and anchor our decisions about our lives.
7. Our focus is on spiritual, emotional, and physical health.
Accomplishments are acknowledged, possessions are respected, but they are not the currency for attention and love.
8. Our family lives simply.
We don't have extra demands and activities that keep us stressed out and too busy to enjoy what's essential.
9. We have strong connections with others.
We are thankful for our mentors, role models, and caring families and friends. Our network provides a "safety net" in good times and hard times.
10. Our home is reasonably orderly and comfortable.
There are systems in place that allow the basics to be handled consistently and with an "all-hands" effort.