03/23/09 - Introducing Fantastic Families

 

Throughout history, the state of the family has determined the state of individuals. At the peak of their power, nations such as Egypt, Greece and Rome placed tremendous value on having strong families. Conversely, when family life deteriorated, so too did the strength of the nation.

While it may sound overly dramatic to say that our way of life depends on having loving and supportive families, the reality is that we can trace many of our society's ills to the breakdown of the family. For this reason, we have an obligation to ensure our own interrelationships are on solid footing. Over the next several weeks, some of our second-year foster families are doing just this by participating in a workshop called Fantastic Families, which is designed to help families build stronger relationships.

We thought that those of you who are not participating in the workshop might still benefit from the insight these lessons provide. So in conjunction with this session, we are using our weekly e-blasts to highlight some of the key learning points and ask you to reflect on what they mean for you and your family.

About Fantastic Families
Produced by Family Dynamics Institute (FDI), the Fantastic Families workshop is based on one of the most comprehensive research projects ever conducted on what it takes to build and maintain a healthy family. According to the research, there are six universal characteristics of a strong family. For the next six weeks, we will look at each characteristic in depth.

Step 1: Commit to Your Family
Produced by Family Dynamics Institute (FDI), the Fantastic Families workshop is based on one of the most comprehensive research projects ever conducted on what it takes to build and maintain a healthy family. According to the research, there are six universal characteristics of a strong family. For the next six weeks, we will look at each characteristic in depth.

Step 2: Express Appreciation and Affection
Members of strong families regularly show appreciation for each other.

Step 3: Share Positive Communication
Members of strong families have good communication skills and spend large amounts of time talking with each other.

Step 4: Spend Time Together
Strong families spend quality time together.

Step 5: Nurture Spiritual Well-Being
Whether they go to formal religious services or not, strong families have a sense of a greater good or power in life.

Step 6: Learn to Cope with Stress and Crisis
Members of strong families are able to view stress or crises as opportunities to grow.

The Fantastic Family material is going to be the basis of our fall retreat for all FaithBridge foster families and support team members. Watch your email for an upcoming announcement.