Is There Such a Thing as a Functional Family

Jenny Heart
A functional family is a happy family. This doesn't mean it is flawless. The true meaning of a functional family is how a family handles every day life together.

Functional to one family may not be functional to the other family. Every family has different ways of handling different situations. Because a member of the family is yelling about a stressful situation doesn't mean the family is dysfunctional. Families do make mistakes. Children who are brought up learning we're all fallible human beings will hopefully be better for it.

Many families think their family is functional. They may need to step back and take a long look at their situation. Just because someone may not be hitting their child doesn't mean they are functional. A dysfunctional family may be constantly hollering at and degrading one another. Verbal abuse may not leave physical scars, but it does leave emotional ones

People in general think of the organization, "The Institute of Child and Family Services," when hearing words like dysfunctional. This can lead to someone calling this service if they feel a child's sanity and safety is at stake. Usually this organization tries to work with the children and their parents. They want to help them improve their relationship with their children. They usually start them out by going to counseling.

Counseling may help a nonfunctional family see and understand how they relate to one another and what they could do better. It also teaches them that no matter how hard they try they'll never be perfect. They'll learn it's alright not to be perfect. It'll teach them it's alright to be upset when stressful things come against them. This will help them learn about anger management. This is what a functional family is all about. It's not about being perfect. It is about learning self control and showing love for one another!

When true love is at the center of the home, this is a functional family. One that will make mistakes, but grows wiser each day. God drew his design for each family. He planned for us to live abundantly through him. Live with the fruits of the spirit, as taught from the Bible. These fruits are patience, understanding, and most of all love. Parents then can be proud of the lessons they have taught their children.

When families can teach and live God's will, to err is human and forgive divine, the family will function as it should, with respect, patience, and compassion for one another.

Published by Jenny Heart

I write on ehow, Triond, Bukisa, Xomba, and Infobarrel. When belonging to all these sites one can't help but learn many things. Sit a spell and learn something new. I might just be writing about you.  View profile

24 Comments

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  • Jennifer Bove7/28/2010

    how very true

  • Kristen Wilkerson6/7/2010

    Well written.

  • Marie Stine6/6/2010

    Nice article Jenny!

  • Shethy Luve Stuckey6/6/2010

    What a fresh perspective here! Thanks Jenny

  • Marie Lowe6/5/2010

    I don't think many families function like the Cleavers any more. Its sad.

  • Jan Corn6/3/2010

    I like your perspective!

  • Cheryl McCann6/3/2010

    Very nice article. Loved it and so true.

  • Sandy James6/3/2010

    Great article and every family is different. I guess it's a matter of what each family accepts as functional or dysfunctional.

  • Pattie Byrd6/3/2010

    Some families have different kinds of problems. I don't think there is such a thing as the perfect family.

  • Elizabeth Valentine6/3/2010

    Terrific piece, as always! I've long-been inspired that Mary, a mere mortal, was still called to mother the Savior here on earth. Never making a mistake isn't necessary for us to be successful as families: it is, as you say, a must for us to turn to God and trust in Him. His forgiveness and hope are real. Splendid points!

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