Functional Families

I borrowed this from my friend Becky at "Never Bored". Thanks Becky!

The Functional Family: A Gospel Perspective

By James MacArthur given at the 1999 BYU Education Week

1. In a functional family, there is a good, loving atmosphere.

2. In a functional family, parents are more interested in what they can offer to their kids than what their kids do with that offering. They act as guides and coaches, not as managers.

3. In a functional family, parents intentionally parent. They meet together on a regular basis and talk about their kids and decide how they're going to handle things.

4. In a functional family, parents are very aware of the messages that they're sending their children.

5. In a functional family, the basic human needs are met in the home. These needs are to feel significant, important, worthwhile and relevant.

6. In a functional family, relationships are of supreme importance.

7. In a functional family, parents are teachers. They plan what to teach.

8. In a functional family, parents have clearly defined roles and responsibilities that are mutually agreed upon.

9. In a functional family, parents give strong and confident leadership. They have a shared vision for the family.

10. In a functional family, mistakes are part of the learning process. The family keeps its head up and faces tough times together.

11. In a functional family, all family members play and have fun together.

12. In a functional family, the family is the gospel school. (meaning, this is where the family learns the gospel.)

Here is a link to the audio