HE-547
Home Study Course
stress on the farm
Lesson 6
Keeping the Farm Family Operating
A lot of effort is needed to keep the family farm operating. It takes just as much effort to keep the farm family operating.
Just as proper diet and exercise combine to make you feel, look, and function more efficiently, there are certain contributions each family member can make to help create a stronger, healthier, and more satisfying family life.
In addition to those family strengths discussed in lesson 5, here are some of the factors that characterize strong, healthy families:
•	A satisfying marriage relationship;
•	The sharing of family power;
•	Open family communications;
•	Acceptance and appreciation of each other;
•	Quality time together;
•	Conflict management; and
•	A good family spirit.
The Marriage Relationship
More than any other single factor, the quality of family life in two-parent families is reflected in the marriage relationship. The wife’s and husband’s ability to communicate, negotiate, and show their love and affection toward each other provides a positive role model for their children.
Children learn much of their own behavior by observing how their parents relate to each other. In this way, the marriage relationship becomes the primary component in the development of healthy family relationships.
Shared Family Power
Power in healthy farm families is shared. This means that family decisions and rules are made with the input of each person. It is not necessary for the father or mother to always dictate orders. Each family member is allowed to express opinions, generate ideas, and make suggestions. The family still needs a leader, but no one person dominates all of the time.
This type of “power sharing” gives freedom to every member by allowing each individual to express him or her self. And this sharing has many positive results:
•	Feelings of trust and cooperation develop;
•	The cohesiveness of the family becomes stronger; and
•	A greater number of solutions are offered that can contribute to more effective decision making.
In essence, "sharing power” is “caring power," and is an important way to build a satisfying family life.
Family Communication
Communication affects everything that goes on between people. It determines what kinds of relationships are formed and how each person is perceived.
Conversation in healthy families is spontaneous, meaningful, clear, and specific. Ideas and information are continually bounced back and forth. A family member can openly express all kinds of emotions and knows that usually someone can and will listen and respond appropriately.
Listening is a valuable tool that indicates concern about another family member. Unfortunately, few people take time to listen beyond the words—with the heart as well as the ears. But in order to communicate effectively in a family, attentive listening is essential. It opens doors by building feelings of respect and trust. Together, good speaking and listening skills form a solid foundation from which a family can begin to function more effectively.
Cooperative Extension Service
Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana 47907