A lot of effort is needed to keep the family operating. Even more effort is required to enhance and affirm the strengths in a family. Just as proper diet and exercise combine to make you feel, look, and function more efficiently, there are certain contributions each family member can make to help create a stronger, healthier, and more satisfying family life. More than any other single factor, the quality of family life in two-parent families is reflected in the marriage relationship. The wife s and husband s ability to communicate, negotiate, and show their love and affection toward each other provides a positive role model for their children.
Children learn much of their own behavior by observing how their parents relate to each other.
In this way, the marriage relationship becomes the primary component in the development of healthy family relationships. Shared Family Power Power in healthy families is shared. This means that family decisions and rules are made with the input of each person. It is not necessary for the father or mother to always dictate orders. Each family member is allowed to express opinions, generate ideas, and make suggestions.