1. Family is the basic unit of society that should provide a safe and nurturing environment for its members. The family plays an important part in all aspects of a person’s health, it’s important to learn about family dynamics and ways of promoting a healthy family.

2.  A healthy family freely expresses mutual love and respect.  Family members need to communicate effectively with one another to provide support and encouragement.  A strong family foundation can serve as an important protective factor, helping children and teens avoid risky behaviors.

3.  Although families differ in size and makeup, a healthy family strives to promote the physical, mental/emotional, and social health of its members.  All sides of your health triangle are affected by your family relationships.  How does your family help with each side of the health triangle? Give an example for each with the person sitting close to you!

4.  Physical health: - The family provides food, clothing, and shelter to its members. Family can also promote healthful behaviors and safety skills.  Social Health: - The family helps develop communication skills and the ability to get along with others  Mental/Emotional health: - Family members nurture & support one another. They contribute to a sense of belonging and a feeling of security.

5.  You learn your values-your beliefs and feelings about what is important from your family.  Developing a good value system helps you in making responsible decisions.  Your values also determine your character.

6.  Does your family have special traditions, such as participating in the Chinese New Year, Hanukkah, or Cinco de Mayo?  Sharing a cultural heritage enriches the lives of family members and helps individuals develop a sense of pride in who they are.

7. EXTENDED FAMILYSIBLINGS  Immediate family & other relatives such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  Have you learned about your family’s history from grandparents?  Perhaps you go on vacation every year to see your Aunts, uncle, and cousins!  Brother or sister  You may be asked to care for a younger sibling while a parent is at work.  Maybe you share responsibilities around the house like cleaning, mowing the yard, and washing the dishes.

8.  Demonstrate care and love ( affirmation )  Show support, especially during difficult times  Demonstrate trust  Express commitment  Be responsible  Spend time together  Respect individuality  Work together to solve problems  Be sensitive to others’ needs