Why Familial Love Is Important

The first type of love that many people experience in life is familial. Depending on the environment you're born into, your parents, siblings, and other families may have been the first to show you unconditional care. However, there are many different types of families. Your family does not need to look like the stereotypical nuclear family to make an impact.

Regardless of who your family is comprised of, cultivating a strong bond with your family can improve the quality of your life. Many people do their best to make their family a priority. So, what are some of the different families you might see, and why is familial and parental love so important?

Family Types And Structures

Common family types or family structures may include:

• Nuclear family. A nuclear family refers to a family made up of two parents and one or more children.
• Blended family. Blended families are also referred to as stepfamilies. A blended or stepfamily is created when widowed, divorced, or separated parents get together. It may be that one of thecouple has children, or it could be both.
• Single-parent family. A single-parent family is a family made up of a single parent and a child or multiple children.
• Extended family. Extended family refers to a household consisting of multiple relatives, children, and parents. These might include grandparents, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews.
• Childless family. A childless family is what it sounds like—a family without a child. Chosen family. Chosen family is also referred to as the "family of choice." Instead of a family of blood relatives, you choose your own family. The people you include in your chosen family might include significant others, friends, and so on.

Every family is different in size, structure, traditions, how they connect, and more.

Why Familial Love Matters

The ways family love can enhance your life are nearly infinite. Here are some of the reasons why familial love matters.

Your Family Is There To Support You

One of the most immediate reasons familial lovecan be so important is that family work to support one another. Having a support system is advantageous for both your physical and mental health.

You might need a shoulder to cry on or someone to help prop you up when you're feeling low. A family that loves you will be more than willing to be there for you in your time of need.

These people will also be there to support you during the good times. They'll be ready to cheer you on as you work toward achieving your life goals.

Family Will Love You No Matter What

Another reason why having a loving family can be so helpful is that they will love you no matter what. Sometimes, you'll make mistakes, and things you're embarrassed about. When things go awry in life, the people closest to you will remain and help you pick up the pieces.

Everyone deserves to have someone like that in their lives.

It's Easy To Relate To Your Family

Even if you consider yourself an introverted person, you'll likely be able to talk to your family more easily than others. Being able to meet up with family and have a conversation from time to time can be enough to make you feel better about life. It's easy to enjoy moments when you spend time with family.

If you grew up together, you likely have a similar background. Many families have little quirks, quips, and jokes.

Talking To Family Always Makes You Feel At Home

Sometimes, life gets overwhelming. Maybe you have to worry about your job, pay the bills, maintain a relationship, and many other things.

Spending time with family can help you to feel at ease. These are the people who watched you turn into the person that you are today and that can provide a sense of comfort and relief.

Not only that, but time with family can support your health. Studies show that having a meal with family at least once a day can reduce depressive symptoms and provide many other benefits. Whether that's your chosen family, extended family, or parents and siblings, spending time together matters, and it's positive for your overall well-being.

Familial Bonds Are Strong

One of the greatest things about family can be summed up by saying that the family bonds you've formed throughout your life are strong. 

Even when your family isn't perfect, they're still your family.

Spending such a great deal of time with someone allows you to know them. You have an abundance of unique experiences together. When someone has this level of closeness with you, they might start picking up on little cues, habits, and quirks that others wouldn't.

What About People With Abusive Or Bad Families?

There are people with bad families who aren't supportive. It's unfortunate when people don't have family love in their lives. Not relying on the people who raised you can make you feel alone. It can be hard to know what to do when you have family relationships frayed by issues beyond your control.

You can start a new family with significant others, friends, and other people.

Many people from all different backgrounds form close family bonds with their friends.

It can take time to heal if your genetic family isn't reliable or simply estranged from you. Reaching out to a therapist or counselor can be a positive step.

Abuse is serious. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). The hotline is available 24/7; your information will be kept safe when you call.

Find A Therapist

Whether you're struggling with concerns related to family life, consulting with a qualified mental health professional can help.

BetterHelp offers individual, and couples counseling and the plans are often more affordable than traditional face-to-face counseling or therapy services without insurance. You can participate in therapy from the comfort of your home, or wherever you have an internet connection. Studies have shown that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy.

Regardless of how you end up consulting with a qualified mental health professional, therapy can be a life-changing part of your support system. Therapy is a space to talk about anything on your mind, so don't hesitate to take the first step. For more information on counseling, ensure you’ve checked medically reviewed articles on family therapy, many of which are available at BetterHelp.com.

The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid action without consulting a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.