A familial support system can be between immediate family members or a mix between extended and immediate family members. Most family research suggests that healthy, supportive families typically have the following qualities:

Share appreciation

If a family member does something impressive, at home or at work, let them know! Expressing gratitude and appreciation for your family members is one of the best ways to build relationships. It can be something as simple as thanking them for making you laugh or spending time with you.

Quality family time

There are countless ways to spend time with your family, including occasional family mealtimes, recreation time, and supporting each other’s hobbies. However, make sure that family time is quality time, not just quantity time. Give your children and your partner your full attention. Turn off your phone and really try to get to know your family member.

Healthy communication

Communication can be hard in any family, especially when there are so many places to be and things to do throughout the day. Supportive families promote emotionally safe and direct communication between one another.  Let your kids and partner know how much you love and support them. The more you express your unwavering support for them, the more comfortable they will be to come to you with their problems, concerns, and triumphs.

Develop strong problem-solving skills

Parents have the opportunity to show their children productive ways of how to handle problems. Children learn from their parents how to interact with the world around them, including how to handle challenges in their life. Parents should model positive ways to handle life’s challenges and allow children some autonomy to solve their own problems. Giving them the opportunity to solve their own problem helps them develop skills that they will benefit from the rest of their life.

Individual accountability

All family members need to be held accountable to what they say they will and won’t do. Healthy families hold individual members accountable for their behavior and are supportive in times of need. Helping them through the tough times will bring your family that much closer together.