Families can be like a giant jigsaw. Every piece has its own place, but it may seem that one or two are missing. You might be asking yourself “How do I fit all these parts together?” Let’s explore some practical tips for strengthening your relationships with loved ones. Click for source!
Communication is the glue of everything. Think of communication as oil in your household machine. Without it gears grind, and things become stuck. How can you make sure that the gears keep turning smoothly? Simple: Talk and Listen. It may sound simple, but we are often unable to hear what each other has to say.
Imagine yourself at dinner with everyone glued to screens. Try making mealtime a no-phone zone. Share stories, even if you think they are mundane. Over time, you’ll be amazed by how much these small moments accumulate.
The third step is empathy – putting oneself in someone else’s shoes. It is easy to become caught up in your own life and forget the struggles that others face. Remember your teenage years? Your parents might have appeared like aliens, from another planet. Then flip the script and see if your teen thinks you’re just as alienated.
Here’s an Idea: Have a Family Game Night where everyone selects an activity they love. The goal isn’t to have fun but rather to understand what makes each person tick.
Now, let’s talk about conflict resolution. Let us face it: Disagreements are unavoidable. It can be tempting when tempers are raging to resort to harsh words or raise voices. The secret is to remain calm.
Imagine that you’re having an argument with a sibling, perhaps over something minor like who gets a last slice of pie (yes it does happen). Take a deep breath before you yell. You could say, “I was really looking forward for that slice.” Although it may sound cheesy or cliche, expressing feelings over accusations can reduce tension.
We must not forget that quality time is golden. Even though we live in a fast-paced society, it can be hard to squeeze out time for the family. It’s important to spend time with your family, no matter how short the period.
Remember lazy Sunday afternoons spent with board games and movies? Bring them back. Even if the time is only once a year, it should be a family event that everyone looks forward to.
To encourage participation, it is important to involve all members in the process of decision-making. Get everyone’s input when planning a holiday or deciding the menu for next week.
But you don’t have be perfect. Nobody expects Super Parent status overnight (or at all). Let yourself off the hook when things don’t go according to your plan, because guess what? That’s life!
Finally–and it’s vital–never undervalue the power to say, “I love you.” These three little words are powerful when spoken sincerely and often enough.
Now you know a couple of my tips for helping families to connect in spite of the chaos that life can bring! Next time your family starts to feel disconnected, remember these nuggets. It may take some effort from all members involved but the smiles are worth it!
You can now go forward with these insights and strengthen your bonds within the family.