Family Connectivity; Parenting Tips

Ask any parent if they’d like to raise kind, honorable children who remain connected to their families and their spirit and the answer would be a resounding "Yes!" We know, intuitively, that a close family and a spiritual core are good things but now researchers are showing us just how good.

Time and time again parents ask me for a way to check on their family connectivity. They wonder how they are doing -- if their family is working well as a unit.

Below is a simple quiz I’ve created to help you get a read on where you are. Remember, your family is living a spiritual experiment and it is in the ebb and flow, the yin and yang, the ups and downs, the openness to change, that you grow closer to each other.

Set aside a few minutes to take the quiz and then jot down any ideas that occur to you when it’s complete. Go easy on yourself. The point is to wake up to the everyday opportunities for connecting, not to feel guilty about another thing you haven’t done.

Family Connectivity Quiz

Respond to the following questions with True or False:

True	False
		You have a scheduled, predictable time to gather with your family for fun.
		You have discussed family rules and consequences and evaluate the appropriateness of these rules every 6 months or so.
		You tuck your young child into bed each night you are home or spend time with older kids.
		You eat at least one meal together most days.
		"Put-downs" and mean-spirited teasing are not allowed in your home.
		You have laughed together at least once this week.
		You listen to each other with respect even when you disagree.
		You usually know what your child worries about.
		You talk about your family traditions, history and ancestors.
		You have predictable opportunities for each family member to be heard -- family meetings, a family journal, open discussions at meal time, carpool conversations.
		You know your child’s favorite song, music group, or sports team.
		Your family watches less than 7 hours of TV a week.
		You don’t expect perfection. Trying hard is applauded and lessons are learned from mistakes.
		Your family strives to live your spiritual beliefs and you often discuss how to do so.

Tally up your True and False responses and take a look at your score.

1 - 2 False: You’re doing amazingly well keeping your family connected in a stressful world!
3 - 5 False: Your family could use some strengthening.
6+ False: Your family definitely needs to take more time for each other.