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Building Strong Families

Belief system

Organizational patterns

Communication and problem solving

Teach Problem-Solving Skills

One way to improve a family’s ability to
manage stress or a crisis is to improve

family problem-solving skills. Discuss a

problem with the whole family and ask for

suggestions on how to solve the problem.

Help each family member think he or she is

a part of the solution. When a crisis occurs,

the family will be ready to draw on

solutions it already has discussed.

For example, a family should work out

an escape plan in the event of a fire. Once a

month, the family should review the plan

to see if anything has changed since the last

meeting. Repetition cements principles into

memory.

Laugh a Little

Never forget the power of humor during

difficult situations. Humor is an excellent

coping tool for families experiencing stress

and crisis. It can strengthen the family and

give a sense of perspective and power in a

difficult situation.

Humor changes brain chemistry. It

causes a release of endorphins, increasing

our sense of well-being, improving our

reasoning powers, and making us less

sensitive to pain. Laughter also reduces

stress. Humor has also been shown to have

positive benefits on physical health (Boyle &

Joss-Reid, 2004). Families who have joy in

their lives are more likely to feel good about

themselves. It seems fairly obvious having a

sense of humor helps families cope with life’s

stresses and crises. Humor can ultimately be

used as a coping tool for families.

• Clarity which includes clear,
  consistent messages


• Open emotional expression including
  shared feelings and empathy


• Collaborative problem solving,
  including shared decision making and
  focus on goals


• Flexibility with openness to change
  but stable with authoritative
  leadership


• Connectedness which is supportive,
  respectful, and seeks reconnection


• Social and economic resources with
  adequate social support and financial
  means


• The capacity to make meaning out of
  adversity


• A positive outlook including hope,
  optimism, and confidence


• Transcendence and spirituality which
  provides meaning in people’s lives