In my reading today I came across a great snippet of recent research from the field of positive psychology into the characteristics of happy families. I hope you might also find it interesting. It’s inspired me to make some changes – perhaps it might get you thinking too?
Research from Positive Psychology suggests that happy families share the following characteristics:
- An emphasis on effort and dedication rather than results focused.
- Access to privacy in the home if it is desired, with the option of retreating to their own space as needed without intrusion.
- An area in the home where the entire family comes together, where other friends and extended family members are also warmly received into the home.
- A sense of acceptance and tolerance of idiosyncrasies – feeling that everyone has their place and their own unique value.
- The regular practice of rituals to celebrate birthdays, accomplishments and milestones.
- Simple household rules that everyone know and uphold rather than lots of different rules for different people or different occasions.
- Punishments that are fair and consistent with a sense of regularity in why, when and how they are metered out.
- Often happy families will accumulate an abundance of pets, plants and photographs in common areas. (The theory here is that happy families often extend care to objects beyond themselves hence the presence of plants and animals.)
Wishing you and your family an abundance of good health, good times and much happiness.
Love to all,
Suz xx
Reference: “Creating Your Best Life” by Caroline Adams Miller and Dr Michael Frisch
Suzy is available for counselling, coaching and private yoga sessions at her consulting room in Cammeray, Sydney, home visits, coaching via phone or skype, and ‘walk & talk’ sessions by appointment.
Contact Suzy at: suzy@suzyreading.co.uk
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