Positive Family Dynamics

Dawn Cooperrider Dole, Jen Hetzel Silbert, Ada Jo Mann, Diana Whitney. Taos Institute Publication (2008), $20

(Click cover to order from Taos Institute)

Positive Family Dynamics is a wonderful resource for parents and family members who want to bring out the best in their families! It is an Encyclopedia of Positive Questions. The questions, stories and activities in this book will help you create relationships within your family which will nurture respect, love, and care. The book’s imaginative questions, exercises, and positive spirit create a simple yet powerful method for helping families discover hidden reserves of strength and inspired opportunities for better living. They also provide powerful tools for helping all families become increasingly more appreciative, collaborative and effective in creating and shaping the futures they desire for themselves and their communities. This book contains 56 appreciative questions designed to increase learning, listening and positive dynamics within your family. Positive Family Dynamics is recommended for all family members — grandparents, parents, children, and beyond.

Table of Contents:

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

INTRODUCTION

Characteristics of Thriving Families
The Power of Questions to Create Positive Family Dynamics
So What is Appreciative Inquiry?
What Makes a Great Appreciative Inquiry Question?
Using Positive Questions to Create Meaningful Conversations
Overview of this Book

CHAPTER 1:

Twelve Ways to Use Questions to Create Positive Family Dynamics

CHAPTER 2: Coupling: Co-Creating Our Future

Appreciating the Best of Our Relationship
Shared Values in Action: Getting “In Sync”
Being Trustful and Willing to Trust
Deep Listening – Feeling Heard
Planning Our Dream Wedding
Celebrating Us: An Interview with My Valentine

CHAPTER 3: Expanding the Family

Making the Choice to be a Parent
Blissful Expectancy – Anticipating a New Addition
New Baby, New Love:
Re-defining and Celebrating Ourselves as New Parents
Welcoming the New Baby: Feeling Loved
A Sense of Belonging
Living in Another Family’s Home

CHAPTER 4: Nurturing Our Children

Nurturing JOY
Best Friends Forever
Life-Long Learning: The Joy of Learning
Parents, Teachers and Caregivers:
Partners in Bringing Out the Best in Our Children
Healthy Habits: Eating, Exercising, Getting the Job Done
Nurturing Spirituality

CHAPTER 5: Strengthening the Family Unit

Family Fun and Rituals
A Peaceful Family: Acceptance, Love and Support
Solid Sibling Relationships: Love, Care and Respect
The Wisdom of Our Children
Celebrating the Best of Our Loved Ones

CHAPTER 6: Launching: Letting Go, Going Forth

New Beginnings
The First Day of School
First Love