Brad has been arrested for drinking and driving. Yelling is the only form of communication in the Brown household. The parents in these situations feel anxious, angry, frustrated, and guilty. They begin to question their ability to solve family problems. They question their parenting skills and wonder if it is unhealthy family dynamics which is causing their problems.
All families are therefore dysfunctional at times.
All healthy individuals and families face stress which is beyond their control. Healthy families learn to recognize signs of good health as well as symptoms of problems within the family. They learn to see problems as symptoms or warning signs that some change is needed, just as fever or redness and swelling are symptoms that tell people their bodies need attention. My family makes me feel safe. It is helpful to look at some guidelines, which can lead parents in a positive direction as they face the ups and downs of family life.