3 Characteristics of Close Families

This is a document me and my companion put together and presented for  a Family Night/ Fireside in Napa on Monday night. The following are  characteristics that we observed from interacting with several
families. We put together the top 3 characteristics that we found about the families that we ate with/ spent family nights with. Hope you enjoy! Note: This document has been changed from the original copy to include new ideas
 
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3 Charcteristics of Close Families

Parents listen with love

“..More important than speaking is listening”
“Elder Russell Nelson told me once that one of the first rules of medical inquiry is 'Ask the patient

where it hurts. The patient', he said, 'will be your best guide to a correct diagnosis and eventual remedy'.
If we listen with love, we won’t need to wonder what to say”

*(May 2011 Ensign, 'Witness Unto Me' by Elder Jeffrey R Holland)
 
Others whom love and admire you may at times come to you for help. They not only want to talk, but they want to know that they are heard. They value what you have to say, but more importantly they want to know that what they say matters to you. They want to know that their parents love them and are willing to take the time to help them. 
When you listen, you show that what they have to say does matters to you . In turn you will qualify for their

trust, honesty and love. Parents, do not criticize your children when they do not meet your expectations. The only person they have let down is themselves, so pick them back up with your love and encouragement and set them back on the right path.
 

Family members complement each other

“All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son

or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny”

*(The Family: A Proclamation to the World)

Complements cheer, motivate and give one a sense of identity and individuality. When you share

appropriate complements, you help others identify things about themselves that are unique, exemplary and praiseworthy.
This will create a greater environment of love, appreiciation, respect and trust. It will help you avoid criticism and withhold judgement, and instead see the good in everyone. You will begin to see that each person is a beloved son or daughter of the same eternal Heavenly Parents. You will have a greater capacity to love.

TRY IT SOMETIME! :)
 
 Family spends quality time together

Spending quality time together brings families closer together. Those activities should be fun, hands on,

and appropriate for the whole family. Make sure it is an activity your whole family will be interested in.

Learn to compromise. For example, if someone has an objection to a particular activity, allow them to choose the next activity. Spending time together allows you to influence the kind of activities your children take part in. It also greatly increases the likelihood of greater love, trust and communication.

'..Love at home and obedience to parents will increase. Faith will be developed in the
hearts of the youth.. , and they will gain power to combat the [harmful] influences and temptations which beset them'

President Dieter F Uchtdorf gave the following quote in a conference talk

“In family relationships love is really spelled t-i-m-e, time.” Whether family members get together for scheduled outings, sharing interests, or serving others, these gatherings strengthen relationships that can be eternal. The families below share what they’ve learned about making time together a priority.

Try applying the following ideas:

• Gathering the whole family together for dinner (as much as possible) 
• Holding a weekly family night at a day and time best for your families schedule (for example, Monday evening)
• Make plans together. Involve your family in choosing activities for family time. Set goals and make plans
  

   
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