How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Families need support (for example, from their community or governments) to provide young people with physical, mental, spiritual, well being
What are three things every family needs in order to be physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy?
108 responded out of 117 polled
11
What are three words to describe what a happy childhood and adolescence look like to you?
107 responded out of 108 polled
12
What is something young people can do to help build healthy relationships with their family?
104 responded out of 107 polled
Healthy Families: What U-Reporters Have to Say
What are three things every family needs in order to be physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy?
• The most common responses, by far, focus on basic needs. The majority of answers mention at least one of the following:
o Money, income, or financial security/stability
o Safe housing/shelter
o Food
o Basic needs/necessities
• Many responses also include relational qualities. The most common of these are communication, respect, understanding, love, and trust
• Other responses include access to mental health services, education, and community support
What are three words to describe what a happy childhood and adolescence look like to you?
• Support
• Love
• Safety
• Freedom, independence
• Happiness, joy, fun
• Education, learning, growth
• Friends, community, social
• Carefree, not worrying
What is something young people can do to help build healthy relationships with their family?
• Open communication is key. Young people should communicate their needs and feelings to their parents, and talk to them honestly even about difficult topics
• Spend time with them, connect over common interests or hobbies, establish family traditions
• Be appreciative and respectful, don’t take them for granted
• Young people should try to understand their families, and to try help their families understand them
• There are limits to young people’s roles in this; parents/guardians need to be open and willing to engage
