The way we relate to our families determines how we see others. The importance of family cannot be understated as it is the fabric that holds us together at our best and worst. Children are particularly sensitive when it comes to building relationships as they are affected the most by actions and words. How you raise a child determines how they will be as adults.
Do Out-of-the-Box Things Together
You could decide to participate in activities together to know each other on a deeper level. Participating in a genogram test is one of those things that improve your knowledge of each other and even create bonds based on that information. If you want to know more about family genograms, you can read some free essays on the topic at https://phdessay.com/free-essays-on/family/ and discover a lot. Reading builds up a bank of information and gives you as a family more things to talk about during dinner.
Effective and Open Communication
Effective communication happens when all parties to a conversation are given equal chances to speak. That means turning off the distractions to listen to each other and respond accordingly. Television and phones have replaced intimate conversations, and knowing when to switch them off could save family relationships.
One way to make messages as clear as possible is by encouraging the use of the first-person narrative when expressing ourselves. Though more difficult, this point of view ensures everyone understands how you feel since you are directly referring to yourself.
Spending Time Together
Family members are often busy with work and a student at school, and so they need to make intentional efforts to spend time together now and then. Family relations improve when you create rituals to all participate in, such as weekend getaways or movie nights. When parents start these from the get-go, they become so ingrained in everyone’s mind that the kids may even keep it up after they go to university.
During these get-togethers, make an effort to be as present as possible. Tune out distractions and make the time sacred for all the members. Eating dinner together is yet another way you can stay tuned into each other.
Be Respectful
Every family member is different, and this should be taken as a strength as opposed to a weakness. If they are introverted and are not able to express themselves as fluently as their outspoken counterparts at the dinner table, they should not be picked on. As much as you can as a parent, try to win the confidence of your introverted children so they see in you a true friend they can open up to freely. Research tips for finding a true friend as an introvert and share with them so they can build better bonds with others too. Every member should be made to feel as though they matter so they can freely coexist.
Connect Individually with the Children
Parents sometimes make the mistake of clustering their kids together and treating them as though they are copies of each other. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always work well since some – the less outspoken ones 0 may suffer. It pays to spend quality time with each of them so they can let you know how they are doing privately. They will feel free to talk about things happening with their education and other areas of their lives. These alone-moments will certainly make them feel special and foster a good relationship that could last forever.
Bonds are Built Over Time
Do not beat yourself up if your family is taking longer than you hoped for them to bond. If you choose to intentionally show love every day, it will soon rub off on others and improve your relationships. The lesson here is to treat everyone with respect and watch them reciprocate it to yourself and others.