How would you define 'family values'?

Question

Would it be values that keep a family together?
Or perhaps values connected to religion?

Answer 1

It would be values that keep my family first in my life and keeps them on track. Yes, I believe in keeping a family together unless there are circumstances in which the family would be better apart. My family is not structured around religion, but rather spirituality. I don't like religion, I believe that it perpetuates hate and that is not what I want for mine. We value time spent together and truly knowing one another whatever we may be, and some of us don't fit neatly into what religion dictates. We value being there for one another in any situation, no matter how dysfunctional we may be. We value raising kids with values, morals (although ours may not match yours) taking personal responsibility, charity,kindness, good work ethic, open-mindedness, self-esteem and sticking up for the underdog.
And last but not least, our home is our sanctuary, and in it we are all safe.

Answer 2

I do not think there is a rational way to define family values because religion has its ideas, as does all other interested parties.

It is a bandage trying to be put on the gaping wound of society. Individual decency, relationships between people in a family are the core of any values that matter in the family or society in general.

--That Cheeky Lad

Answer 3

Family values should be; firstly, security. Feeling safe. Secondly, love. Everyone needs to feel loved. Thirdly, belonging, because everyone needs to know they are part of some great order.
Religion can play a great part in this, but then a family can be happy and secure without it.
Have a look at Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs on the web - looks complicated, but the supposition is reasonably simple.
He puts it better than me. But then he was a physicologist. I am a computer nurd!

Answer 4

My family is not religious but we are very close - a concept religious people have trouble with. They think that because we don't sit around the table saying grace we have no values. I consider my sister one of my best friends, and my parents have always supported me. Even though all of the kids are in or have graduated from college, we always try to meet on holidays or take vacations together. I have two brothers and two sisters and I am extremely close to each one.

Answer 5

Family is like the cell from which society is created, if the cell becomes damaged the whole organism will suffer, and the disease will spread causing the whole society to become diseased.

Answer 6

A mother and a father for starters