Life is very busy for families these days. In most cases, one or both parents work full time; some may even have more than one job; children often have many different activities within a week plus a heavy load of homework. Weekends are frequently a flurry of activity with parents rushing children to sports or special classes, running errands, and/or attending to household chores. With so much going on, parents and children may see very little of each other, especially if parents leave the house before children wake up or come home after their bedtime. Communication between family members and respect for each other's needs, property and time commitments can be adversely affected; relationships between family members can also suffer, creating a divide. If you find yourself in this scenario, there are ways to improve communication and respect between family members and to build a more unified family group.
We have to make time to communicate. Family communication encourages family bonds… family bonds boost the desire for and frequency of family gatherings… and family gatherings provide an even greater opportunity (and need) for family communication. It’s a cyclical effect. One leads to, supports, and strengthens the other
Open and honest communication creates an atmosphere that allows family members to express their differences as well as love and admiration for one another. It is through communication that family members are able to resolve the unavoidable problems that arise in all families.
Communication is the single greatest factor affecting a person’s relationships with others. It is the key to accomplishing individual and family goals. Positive communication can be a useful tool in drawing a family together and helping them learn to support, rather than harm one another. Communicating with our families is an ongoing challenge.
Some families are naturally good at communicating, however, many families would like to work at improving their skills. The way we communicate (or don’t communicate) is often taught in the home.
Take a moment to think about how the family you grew up in communicated with each other. Was it positive and effective? Think about how you would like to teach your children to communicate.
Remember, they will learn communication skills and communication styles from you.
Acceptance is a key ingredient in family communication. You may not agree with other family members, but it is essential that you show your respect by listening and speaking about ideas, feelings, and concerns. Acknowledge your differences and allow family members and friends to have differences of opinions.
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