Jody Stratford, M.A., works with families through her consulting service company, Family Strategies Ltd. Her mission is to encourage and enable the creation of a home environment where marriage flourishes and children become healthy, productive adults. As the summer gets in full swing, she’s submitted a family health questionnaire for your review. This is not a test of your parenting skills or a critique of your family’s lifestyle. It’s just an exercise for you.For more information, contact Family Consultation Services at 495-0105.FAMILY HEALTH QUESTIONAIRE
- Does your family eat together at the table at least three times a week?
- Do you have at least one date a month as a couple, alone? If you are a single parent, do you see an adult friend at least twice a month?
- Do adults have at least one hour of time in the evening, after kids are in bed?
- Do kids have a regular bedtime schedule and routine, allowing them at least 9 hours of sleep for those under age 12 and eight hours over age 12?
- Do adults physically monitor the children’s use of T.V. and computers?
- Is the family vocabulary free of profanity?
- Do adults read to children under the age of 8, at least once a week?
- Is the television on less than five hours a day (total time all TVs are in use)?
- Do children have daily chores (some for allowance and some not)?
- Do children have a quiet, well-lighted space for homework?
- Do adults daily acknowledge positive behaviors of children through smiles, hugs, words, privileges, rewards? (Score 1 pt. per each)
- Do you enjoy spending time in your home with your family?
- Could your children identify two of your family’s most important values?
- Do you limit the children’s participation in extra-curricular activities?
- Do adults in the family have weekly contact with at least one adult friend?
- Does the family have a weekly “family fun” time?
- Do you implement more rewards rather than punishments to train your children?
- Do you give your kids more time than things to convey your affection for them?
- Does your family regularly participate together in a community of faith?
- Are you satisfied with your family life?
