What Makes a Happy Family

Vocabulary

1. Pillar (n)
/ˈpɪlər/:(in this case) a person or item that can provide support
Ex: They always considered their mother to be the pillar of the family.

2. Quote (n)
/kwoʊt/:something said in a text or speech; a quotation
Ex: The writer often uses quotes from influential people.

3. Ritual (n)
/ˈrɪtʃuːəl/:a series of actions performed as part of a religious or official ceremony
Ex: In this ritual, a priest pours water over a baby's head.

4. Close-knit (adj)
/kloʊs nɪt/:bound by mutual interest or strong relationship
Ex: Their community is very close-knit - everyone takes care of each other.

5. Chore (n)
/tʃɔːr/:a task that one has to do on a regular basis
Ex: My son's favorite chore is taking out the trash.

6. Rake (verb)
/reɪk/:to use a tool to make a ground surface clean or flat
Ex: They rake leaves every Thursday afternoon.

Reading

Family is one of the pillars of society. It is no wonder that Tolstoy’s "Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way" is one of the most famous family-related quotes. So what makes a happy family?

Children that grew up in happy families often say that their family was brought closer together by small rituals and family traditions. Certain dishes on certain days, special cakes for their birthdays, traditional road trips every year. These things provide a sense of belonging and security. Other people say that having at least one meal a day together was the most important custom of all. Having dinner together regularly, despite busy schedules, allows families to talk and bond with one another.

Many psychologists and parents believe that "a family that laughs together, stays together." Lots of people will tell you that laughter, fun and games are one of the key aspects of a close-knit family. The choice of games can vary – board games, charades, puzzles, video games, etc; anything that gets everyone involved is an option!

Believe it or not, many happy families claim that even household chores can be good bonding activities. Activities like cleaning windows, doing dishes, or raking the back yard give good opportunities to talk and catch up.


1. Who said that "Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way"?

2. What kind of small rituals can make a family happy?

3. Why are household chores considered good bonding activities?

Discussion

1. Do you agree with Tolstoy's quote? Why?

2. Would you say you grew up in a close-knit family? Elaborate.

3. Describe the activities you enjoy doing with your family the most.

4. In your opinion, what is the key "ingredient" to having a happy family?