John L. Luckner, professor of special education at the University of Northern Colorado, and Ann Velaski, Luckner's graduate doctoral student at the university, define a healthy family as one that "...provide[s] the building blocks for the development of healthy, happy, competent children." Families, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provide the key to "child safety and well-being." Creating healthy families requires a few routines and activities.
Identification
The YMCA describes a healthy family home as one in which the family incorporates healthy habits into daily life. The philosophy of the program is: "Healthy families play every day, eat healthy and enjoy family time." The "Y" program integrates everyday physical exercise, selection of healthy food for all meals, and time set aside to strengthen family ties by simply spending time together. The group maintains that the family home "...defines, creates and predicts a family's lifelong health and wellness."
Time Frame
A focus on family health for children and adolescent is important. The U.S. National Mental Health Information Center, part of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, explains in 2010 that "...at least one in five children and adolescents have a mental health disorder" and that environment plays an important role in developing such disorders. Childhood stress due to poverty, discrimination, exposure to violence and failure to provide a stable family center puts the child at risk, according to the Center.
Considerations
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends a formal evaluation for families experiencing difficulties, such as divorce, poverty or mental health issues that may impact the overall family health. The formal evaluation assesses strengths and weaknesses so that support services can be directed to meet the greatest needs. This assessment not only strengthens the family, but it protects the children by formulation of goals and development of a plan to achieve the new outcomes. HUD reports that family programs "...may take a number of different forms" that specifically address each of the needs of each family.
Benefits
The benefits of a healthy family, according to the YMCA, include personal health for children and a basis for socialization to create a well-rounded personality. A grounded family home provides the greatest impact over the decision-making of children. Kids Health from Nemours states that setting aside regular family time for group discussion and healthy eating is the best strategy for smart eating that creates lifetime nutrition habits for healthy living.
Misconceptions
While access to medical care and money generally improves the chances for a healthy family, the assumption that all wealthy families are healthy is incorrect, according to Laura Kastner, clinical child and family psychologist in Seattle, Washington. Another misconception about healthy families is that quantity of time with children means a healthier household. Ann Corwin, Ph.D. and M.Ed., states that the quality of the time with the family is more important than "busy parenting" that includes running to play dates and carpooling children to various sports activities.
References
- "American Annals of the Deaf;" John L. Luckner and Ann Velaski; Fall 2004
- National Mental Health Information Center: Children's and Adolescents' Mental Health
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Child Welfare Information Gateway: Overview
- YMCA: Healthy Family Home: Parents - You Can Do It!
- KidsHealth from Nemours: Healthy Eating
