Time together as a family strengthens the family as a unit as well as family members themselves. Celebrate traditions, rituals and values. Over time, most families face inevitable ups and downs. A change in employment, extended illness, birth of a child, long-distance move, death or divorce can all affect family relationships. Such life changes can cause families to take a detour, but shouldn't necessarily be considered the end of the road.
People sometimes head for the divorce court too soon.
A willingness to handle tough situations together can strengthen a family by bringing them closer together, Olsen said. For more information on building successful relationships, contact the local Extension office. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.