It's wise to get a regular health check every year or so isn't it? Whether it's seeing your doctor, dentist or optometrist, a regular check up often lets you know if there is anything that needs addressing, fixing or keeping an eye on.

The same type of thinking is really important when it comes to your family. Life can be flying past, with family members being like ships in the night.  No matter what age your children are, it's really important to stop and take account of how things are going every now and then.

Are we getting into a bad habit as a family of watching television too often? Would it be better to have more meals together at the dinner table and conversations with each other? Are we respectful in the way we are all talking to each other?  Is our child tired or have they closed off from us more than usual? Are my husband and I setting a good example for the kids in the way we speak to each other? Who is actually not putting the toilet seat down?  Just kidding on that one! Every now and then it's good to stop and think, and ask yourself some of these questions or similar questions.

No family is perfect, and it shouldn't be a stressful or negative thing to take a good healthy assessment of your family/marriage/friendships every now and then. 

Some people have a health query and are off straight away to the Dr to see what it's about, and others would rather stay away and pretend it's not there, often fearing the worst. Sometimes I think I can fall into the latter category.

It's risky to be honest and open with how things are going in your life, but it's the only way you can stay healthy and develop great relationships, whether it's your marriage, friendships or family.

Hiding away from the truth never does anyone any good.

Some tips and ideas:

Sit down with your spouse and check in with each other as to how you feel things are going in your relationship. Don't just focus on the things that need improving, but what you are both loving and hoping to continue to develop.

Have a family meeting (keep it light hearted but real) and ask your children what things they love about your family and things they'd love to see changed or worked on. Make sure you let little ones have their say - sometimes they have fabulous insights and ideas!

Think about the different friendships you have in your life - are they healthy relationships or detrimental? Encourage your older children (especially teens) to think carefully about the friendships they have in their lives as well.

As we learn to keep an eye on the health of our families, marriages and friendships, we can learn to grow and thrive, while gaining the confidence to face challenges and issues honestly and openly - the best way to grow healthy children, marriages and friendships.

I'm all for that!