Keeping Families Happy and Healthy

P.O Box 1540, Albany Western Australia 6331
Phone: (08) 98 418 418
E-mail: abl-alb@omninet.net.au

Keeping Families Happy and Healthy
He was a picture of health - young, athletic and energetic. In fact, he jogged five kilometres almost every day all year round. He had already jogged 2.5km the day they found him. Apparently it was a massive heart attack that took his life. When a young, healthy, vibrant person dies in this manner it is alarming news. In the same way, healthy families don't suddenly fall apart. Strong, healthy families with adequate trust, respect and communication don't suddenly experience failure. The natural state of family life is strong and healthy. However, when the family's health is poor, there are symptoms that warn us of a more serious problem. This means, if a family is to stay together as a committed unit we must listen to the warning signs and work toward stability and health. Today, I'd like to encourage you to consider some of the warning signs of unhealthiness in families. Families don't have enough time together: Perhaps the most pervasive enemy of a family's health is lack of time. People in the "fast-lane" seem to find time for almost everything but the family. Statistics indicate that the average dad is spending 12 minutes a day with his children. Unhealthy families find it difficult to include table conversation at meal time or leisure time because of fast-paced agendas, television viewing and over-commitment. Family members must support each other: Families should provide a safe harbour for each weary family member to return to at the conclusion of a day. After fighting the rough waters at school or work, the safe harbour is a welcome sight. Instead of providing that harbour, unhealthy families continue the turmoil of the day right on through the family's evening hours. "He won't talk to me." The most familiar complaint heard by those who work with unhealthy families is, "He won't talk to me", and "He doesn't listen to me". The truth is, because there is little genuine sharing of themselves, unhealthy family members don't know each other. If this is a problem in your family, I have good news for you! This good news is contained in a booklet titled "How To Improve Your Family's Health." It reveals five ways your family can have more time together, how to build trust in children, ways families can learn to support each other . . . and many other ideas on improving the health of your family, or the family of someone you know. To receive your FREE copy, just write to me at: P.O. Box 1540, Albany, WA 6331. Phone: (08) 9841 8418. Email: abl-alb@omninet.net.au I sincerely hope you will enjoy a wonderful week with your family!

He was a picture of health - young, athletic and energetic. In fact, he jogged five kilometres almost every day all year round. He had already jogged 2.5km the day they found him. Apparently it was a massive heart attack that took his life.

When a young, healthy, vibrant person dies in this manner it is alarming news. In the same way, healthy families don't suddenly fall apart. Strong, healthy families with adequate trust, respect and communication don't suddenly experience failure.

The natural state of family life is strong and healthy. However, when the family's health is poor, there are symptoms that warn us of a more serious problem. This means, if a family is to stay together as a committed unit we must listen to the warning signs and work toward stability and health. Today, I'd like to encourage you to consider some of the warning signs of unhealthiness in families.

Families don't have enough time together: Perhaps the most pervasive enemy of a family's health is lack of time. People in the "fast-lane" seem to find time for almost everything but the family. Statistics indicate that the average dad is spending 12 minutes a day with his children. Unhealthy families find it difficult to include table conversation at meal time or leisure time because of fast-paced agendas, television viewing and over-commitment.

Family members must support each other: Families should provide a safe harbour for each weary family member to return to at the conclusion of a day. After fighting the rough waters at school or work, the safe harbour is a welcome sight. Instead of providing that harbour, unhealthy families continue the turmoil of the day right on through the family's evening hours.

"He won't talk to me."

The most familiar complaint heard by those who work with unhealthy families is, "He won't talk to me", and "He doesn't listen to me". The truth is, because there is little genuine sharing of themselves, unhealthy family members don't know each other.

If this is a problem in your family, I have good news for you! This good news is contained in a booklet titled "How To Improve Your Family's Health." It reveals five ways your family can have more time together, how to build trust in children, ways families can learn to support each other . . . and many other ideas on improving the health of your family, or the family of someone you know. To receive your FREE copy, just write to me at: P.O. Box 1540, Albany, WA 6331. Phone: (08) 9841 8418. Email: abl-alb@omninet.net.au

I sincerely hope you will enjoy a wonderful week with your family!