92 - Parenting With Heart - Twelve Characteristics of a Healthy Family (Part 1)

Nov 4, 2025

This engaging conversation explores the essence of a functional family, highlighting the importance of open communication and emotional expression. The hosts delve into six foundational freedoms that foster healthy relationships and the necessity of addressing problems directly. They emphasize the value of dialogue and individual differences within the family structure. Insights on how families can meet each other's needs for security and support while honoring uniqueness round out this enlightening discussion, paving the way for the next installment.

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ANECDOTE

Surprising With Baseball Tickets

Chip describes surprising his wife with Cubs tickets for their 20th anniversary as a meaningful gesture.
He uses baseball trips and surprises to illustrate family traditions and bonding.

INSIGHT

Function Over Perfection

Functional families know problems will come but refuse to be controlled by them.
They treat life as ongoing repair, redemption, and readiness for launching children.

ADVICE

Encourage Open, Honest Expression

Talk openly about what matters and let everyone name their feelings, beliefs, and values.
Allow people to be called on inconsistencies so behavior matches stated values.

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The "Living with Heart" Podcast is brought to you by Chip Dodd Resources (www.chipdodd.com) and The Voice of the Heart Center (vothcenter.com). You can connect with Dr. Chip Dodd at chip@chipdodd.com. Contact Bryan Barley for coaching at bryan@vothcenter.com.

It is already November, and Christmas is just around the corner. How are you going to keep Christ in Christmas this year? I recommend spending a few minutes each day in December reading The Jesse Tree: A Christmas Devotional. This devotional will take you through the Bible, from Genesis to the birth of Jesus. Each day focuses on God’s protection of the royal line of Jesus and God’s plan of redemption for His people.

2 Helpful and free resources along your parenting journey:

Characteristics of a Functional Family

8 Feelings for Children Chart

I recommend purchasing a copy of How Are You Feeling Today?

This children’s book about feelings will help you get started in guiding your children to understand express their feelings.

TO ALL PARENTS:

Please remember that the list the characteristics of a healthy family is not about a perfect family; it is about a functioning family.
A functional family simply consistently works on “working things out” for love’s sake.
Perfect isn’t functional. An atmosphere of perfection is oppressive; it is just as damaging as a chaotic atmosphere is abandoning. Neither a perfectionistic nor a chaotic atmosphere advance emotional, spiritual, and relational growth.
To parent well, we need to be willing to seek aid, wisdom, and courage from God and others. No one has all the answers, but our humility can allow us to have more than we would have without asking.

There are six basic principles to creating a functional relational system, one in which relationship and health is the primary concern, whether it be a family, friendship or marriage:

I can talk openly about things that are important to me.
I can name my feelings, beliefs, and values, and keep my behaviors consistent with them.
I can define the limits of what I can comfortably do or give.
I can clarify the limits of what is acceptable or tolerable in the relationship.
I can openly share my vulnerabilities and competencies with others.
I can give permission and support others in doing the same things.

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