Family Strength

Built to last
Abby Peskorse Fontbonne University

What is a family?
Family is defined by the members of the family!

What barriers do we face?

Strengths are often developed in response to challenges.

Communication
Daily and consistent communication is vital to family strength. Simple, sad, or celebratory, our interactions compose our understanding of self, other, and the world.

Bettering our behavior

Be available Be an active listener Show empathy Share in joy

What does good communication look like to you?

Its the little things.

Tradition Ritual

Beliefs and customs handed down from generation to generation.

An action repeated. An action repeated. An action repeated.

10 Good Things Rituals Do

Impart a sense of identity Provide comfort and security Help to navigate change Teach value Pass on ethnic or religious heritage Teach practical skills Solve problems Keep alive a sense of departed family members Help heal from loss or trauma Generate wonderful memories

Lets brag!
o Close your eyes o Imagine a member of your

family o Think of something you do together that you enjoy o Think of something new you want to share with them

Parting words
You can kiss your family goodbuy and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, and your stomach, because you do not just live in a world, but a world lives in you.
-Frederick Buechner