PERSONAL HEALTH : A Daily Dose of Family Values
Americans say the most important “family value” is respect--as much for children as for parents, according to a recent survey by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. of more than 1,000 people nationwide.
The other top values are being responsible for one’s actions and providing emotional support to family members.
Despite the focus on family values during the 1992 presidential campaign, 81% of those surveyed said the rhetoric had no effect on their views. But the majority agreed that the values they cherish have weakened in the past year.
Busy, isolated and often at odds with the popular culture, parents can communicate their values through daily rituals such as hello and goodby kisses or a nightly chat or bedtime story, according to the report.
“These are reliable daily reminders that family members are involved with each other and that they can depend on each other.”
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