Made for Connection. Strengthening Families and Communities  

Families are designed to be creative, inclusive, adaptive and dynamic systems, with the capacity to sustain and nurture its members. At their best, healthy family systems are secure, safe, reliable, trusting relationships, where members experience support, value, respect, and connection. 

Secure attachment is the emotional bond formed between family members, particularly between children and their caregivers. Children who experience safe, secure attachment relationships are more likely to develop resilience, emotional regulation, and strong interpersonal relationships later in life while also fostering a greater sense of belonging and connection in adults.¹

Mutual respect is another indicator of family health. Families who respect each other's individuality, needs, safety and boundaries create an environment where every member feels valued. A 2022 study by Fraser et al.² found that families who prioritise respect report lower levels of conflict and increased emotional well-being. Respect allows family members to engage in healthy dialogue, set boundaries, provide safety and navigate challenges with empathy rather than defensiveness.

Families who talk through issues, express needs, feelings, and concerns, tend to have stronger emotional ties and are better equipped to navigate stress and conflict and maintain safety. The research of Gottman³, a leading relationships expert, highlights that couples and families who engage in positive communication patterns (e.g., affirming, validating, and empathising) are more likely to experience long-term satisfaction and resilience, even during difficult times. Families that offer emotional support, help each member feel valued and cared for. According to Van der Zanden et al.⁴, emotional support within families contributes to both better mental health outcomes and stronger family connections.

Resilience, a term that gained significant attention during the COVID-19 pandemic (alongside phrases like "the new normal"), is not merely about bouncing back from adversity; it's about adaptability and the ability to accept change. Families that model positive coping strategies and encourage adaptability can be better positioned to navigate life's ups and downs. The Australian Family Therapy Association⁵ emphasises that resilient families nurture emotional intelligence in their children, teaching them how to manage stress and build emotional strength. In resilient families, conflicts and challenges are viewed as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than threats to the family's stability.

Supportive, respectful and resilient families are key to stronger, safer, more connected communities. Families are the first place where we learn values like empathy, respect, and cooperation, or, in their absence, the challenges of navigating relationships without them. In advocating for healthy family relationships, Anglicare seeks to build on the collective strength of those we journey with side-by-side, motivated by a belief in what is possible when people, families and communities experience connection, support and the love of Jesus. 

Sarah Van Bentum
Head of Counselling Mediation & Youth Services