Things Safe Families Do and Say
January 2nd, 2023
This is what a safe family says and does.
- They are consistent and follow a routine. In a safe family, you can expect that people will come home at the end of the day, there will be food on the table, and you won’t be harmed.
- Members back up their words with actions. People in the family do what they say they will. If and when they fall short, they apologize and try to make a plan to do better next time.
- They apologize and repair when they mess up. In safe families, messing up is normal and expected. Repair is also normal and expected. When family members hurt one another, they listen, show that they care, apologize, and try to do better next time.
- They use safe body language. Family members refrain from yelling, name-calling, throwing things, etc. Instead, they try to calmly communicate their feelings.
- Members ask people how they feel and genuinely respond with care. In safe families, people ask things like “How are you?” and “Did I hurt you?” They listen to their responses and try to seek understanding.
- They allow people to be themselves without criticism or judgment. In safe families, people are able to express themselves freely and enjoy their own unique interests. They are free to be themselves without fear of punishment or retribution.
- They talk it out instead of using physical force or violence. Safe families do not use physical force to discipline, teach a lesson, or control others.
- They respect boundaries. Listen to people when they set limits with their time, space, and energy.