Life has changed so much for most of us in the modern world. With the advancement of technology, changing cultural norms, new priorities, and new forms of communication fueled by the Internet, it's natural to wonder what the importance of the family is. Is it a dying institution that has no place in modern life? Well, of course not. Family is just as relevant as it ever was if not more. No matter how much life changes in the future, it will probably continue to be needed in one form or another.The Benefits of Being in a Healthy Family Have Increased
As modern life puts pressure on all of us, the benefits of living in a family are more important than ever. Here is a list of some of the benefits.
Helps meet basic needs
The basic social unit called the family is tasked with meeting the basic needs of those family members who can't provide for themselves. This includes minors, the elderly and disabled, or simply those who can't afford to live by themselves. Basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and clean air are accessible when one or more members can provide these things for the whole family.
Allows you to Belong to Something
Many years ago, Abram Maslow created a diagram called the 'Hierarchy of Needs.' This hierarchy showed which needs were most crucial to humans. The wide base of Maslow's pyramid diagram represented the basic needs mentioned above, which must be met first. On the next level up are the security needs followed by the love and belonging needs. Families spend so much time and energy supporting each other through difficult times because of the bonds they've created and nurtured since the time each of them became a part of the family.
Financial Security
A well-functioning family provides financial security for everyone living in the household. First, family members who can work contribute at least a part of their earnings to help the family meet everyone's needs and wants. Second, the family combines resources to pay bills and manage their money to ensure that financial necessities are always taken care of.
Built-in Support System
Many people have found themselves with great news but no one to tell it to. That's a problem one rarely has when living in a family. People who are in healthy families have access to everyday joys that some people don't have. In addition, everyone has hard times. A healthy family has each other's back. When family members are under stress, someone close to them is most likely to see the symptoms that they're struggling with. People may hide their problems with others, but their family most often already understands. Even if they don't condone someone's actions, they love unconditionally. They're there for family members.