AD | Collaborative post
From the moment we take our first breath, hundreds of relationships form. Initially, we have our parents, siblings, and a few close relatives, but as time passes, our connections increase. Throughout this period, we recognize how various relationships come and go, some of which we are grateful for and others we can’t forget. However, family ties remain.
Family holds a special place in our lives. They are with us through the ups and downs of life. They are the ones who often know our weaknesses, pet peeves, strengths, and personality. Consequently, a family can make you or break you. A strained family connection can result in numerous disorders. According to the National Institute of Health, 16.3% of males and 17.2% of females suffer from depression due to family relations. Therefore, it is vital to create relationships that are healthy and strong.
Here are seven ways for you to strengthen your family ties.
- Offer support:
Every individual has unique skills and capabilities that differ from others. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. Some of us are better at communicating, and others are good at working. The same is the case in families.
Families help one another identify weaknesses and help overcome them. For example, if an elderly adult cannot perform a particular task, the family does it for him. However, supporting each other is not limited to assisting in daily life tasks but also includes helping your loved one through the worst. Whether your loved one has a mental disorder, an addiction, or a physical illness, they need your unconditional support. You can offer aid by actively listening, assisting, showing unconditional love, or finding a suitable treatment center like the Delphi Health Group to help them overcome problems with substance abuse.
Your connection with your family grows stronger when you offer unconditional support to them. You both earn each other’s trust and have someone to lean on. In addition, the kindness you show comes back to you one way or another.
- Communicate:
Talking to one another is vital in every relationship. Communication is more than asking if you are okay or how your day went. It means connecting with the other person and understanding their feelings.
Try to set times when your family gets together, and everyone shares their thoughts. During this time, appear open to communication and actively listen when someone is talking. Some members may not be comfortable discussing things openly. So, try talking to them individually and give space to the other person to gather their thoughts.
Children and teenagers may not put their feelings into words. Therefore, try to observe non-verbal signs. Children express their feelings by throwing tantrums, showing affection, and maintaining eye contact. Thus, try to read between the lines and communicate with your children. Your family will feel heard, understood, and loved when you positively communicate with them.
- Spend quality time:
In today’s world, everyone is busy in their lives. Some are chasing after money, drowning in a pile of work, or scrolling through social media. The time we choose to spend with our loved ones is decreasing day by day.
To be a happy family, you must spend time together because being around one another will provide a sense of togetherness. It will build tolerance and understanding for each family member’s idiosyncrasies. Spending time together can be planned or spontaneous. You can organize family meetings, have everyone gather at dinner time, or perform activities together. The goal is to have everyone actively participate and have conversations. It should be a time when you and your family focus on each other.
- Practice teamwork:
Families that work together go further. Working together develops patience, trust, and analytical skills. It also builds healthy competition, which helps members to strive for better. For children, teamwork builds confidence and brings a sense of accomplishment. Similarly, it is a chance for teenagers to portray creativity and bring innovation.
To practice teamwork, a family can set up various chores that involve all the members. In addition, they can plan outdoor trips that include activities like camping, scavenger hunts, and cooking, giving everyone a chance to shine.
- Handle conflict:
Every family has fights, but how you handle them sets you apart. If your family fails to control their emotions and communicates negatively, you will end up in unresolvable conflicts. Therefore, to maintain a healthy atmosphere, properly deal with conflict.
Whenever a conflict arises, try to understand the other person’s perspective. Keep a firm hold on your emotions and analyze the situation. Was it something you said, or did something that triggered the other person? If not, try to communicate calmly and listen to what others wish to say. Know that there will be differences of opinion and thinking. Consequently, you must learn to respect each other’s perspectives and work together to solve the problem.
- Respect one another:
Have you ever met someone who keeps interrupting, does not pay attention, or downgrades your efforts? If yes, you know how miserable it feels to be around such a person. Not only will you avoid such a person but also cut ties with them.
Try to acknowledge everyone’s efforts. Whether it is your spouse, teenager, or a young child, respect them. Show affection and praise them when they perform a task or chores. Similarly, regard their opinion and allow them to participate in family decisions. In addition, try to take into consideration their boundaries or limits and give them space when they ask for it.
- Set values:
Every system works according to some regulations, and families are no different. To function smoothly and ideally, a family needs some ground rules. To set your rules, you must first define your values.
Values are the principles that every member follows and regards. They help set standards about how everyone should behave, communicate, and treat other members. Try to set up a list of ethics you want your family to follow. Discuss with your spouse the things you won’t tolerate and where flexibility is possible. Lay down the rules and analyze them with the whole family. Make amendments where necessary and set age-appropriate punishments for whoever fails to follow the rules.
Having family values will provide a basis for your child to grow. Family values will mold their character, and the child will learn to be accountable for their actions. In addition, it will give them a sense of belonging and identity as they would link their morals to their family.
Conclusion:
Having a healthy family relationship is crucial. It creates a secure and uplifting environment for children. Healthy relationships produce people who are sure of themselves and the world. Therefore, one must have a supportive family unit to be happy and prosperous.