Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder characterized by a consistent failure to speak in specific social situations in which the child is expected to speak (e.g., in kindergarten or at school) while in other situations the child can speak (e.g., at home). It is caused by the interaction of genetic, temperamental, environmental, and neurodevelopmental factors. The child’s family can also play role in its development and maintenance through genetic and environmental influences. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine and describe family characteristics of children with selective mutism which can be risk factors for developing selective mutism and to determine common characteristics among families. The study involved 20 parents of children with selective mutism, 16 mothers and 4 fathers. A specially created online questionnaire for examining family characteristics and IPIP-NEO-120 questionnaire for assessing personality traits of parents were used to collect the data. The obtained results showed that most parents (60%) described themselves as quiet, shy, withdrawn, or silent in childhood and these characteristics are primary characteristics of children with selective mutism. Families are mostly whole. The parents usually spend time with family members and a few close friends. As a family they often visit (several times a month) relatives and friends or they come to visit their family. Many families were exposed to an environmental risk factor – moving to a new home. 58,82% of the parents, including children, moved to a new home at least once, and half of the families moved more than once. During assessment of children with selective mutism it is important to examine family characteristics to determine if and how specific family characteristics influence on development and maintenance of selective mutism and to consider those family characteristics in therapy.