A University of Nebraska family scientist who has spent the past 20 years studying 18,000 families in 27 countries believes that all happy, well-functioning families possess the same six characteristics. As Australia's Sydney Morning Herald reported this week, Dr. John DeFrain told a conference at the University of Newcastle that these qualities can be summarized as: commitment; appreciation and affection; positive communication; time together; spiritual well-being; and the ability to cope with stress and crises. "Strong families are 'there' for one another; they can count on one another. There's almost a spiritual connection," DeFrain told the Herald.
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Written by Frank Stirk. Copyright 1999 Focus on the Family Canada Assoc. All rights reserved. Today's Family News - for 12/1/99