What term describes the people and things that provide help in family settings?

The term that best describes the people and things that provide help in family settings is "support." In the context of family dynamics, support encompasses various resources, individuals, and systems that contribute to a family's ability to navigate challenges and foster resilience. This can include emotional support from family members, practical assistance from friends or community resources, and even financial aid or educational support systems.

Support plays a crucial role in family development by enhancing communication, decreasing stress, and improving overall functioning within the family unit. It can manifest in many forms, such as encouragement, advice, or even physical assistance with daily tasks. Recognizing the importance of support helps families leverage these resources effectively, thereby promoting healthier relationships and environments.

In contrast, barriers refer to obstacles that hinder family functioning, responsibilities highlight the duties that family members are expected to fulfill, and challenges represent the difficulties a family may face. While these concepts are relevant, they do not capture the essence of the helping resources that support family members in achieving their goals. Thus, "support" is the most appropriate term for this context.