All the impressive and enviable families that we witness around are that awe-inspiring because of one good reason i.e. exquisite communication within the family unit. So, we need to first peep into why communication is so very consequential and then how to enhance it as a family. So, let’s explore these important questions:
The first thing we learn as a baby is communication. Just notice how wonderfully the tiny souls communicate their hunger, frustration, and joy. The same is applicable for adults. However, as adults, we sometimes fail to learn the healthy ways of speaking and conveying our feelings which lead to misunderstandings and friction. Many relations suffer because of a lack of communication or owing to poor communication levels. When you reach out to your family members in a respectful, loving, polite, assertive, and empathic manner, you witness the following boons:
- Correct communication increases love and respect for each other which means that no one feels left out or ignored. This is very central to making any family unit strong.
- When communication is on point, many misunderstandings and assumptions are successfully averted. So, good communication keeps things crystal clear and no one presumes why someone was extra quiet for some time.
- When a couple or any family tries to work on their communication skill and improves it over time, others would never spread rumors or spicy gossip about them. Unfortunately, where people lack chitchat, things get messy.
WAYS TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION WITHIN YOUR FAMILY
Now that we are fully cognizant of the fact that communication is the key to good bonding within a family, not a moment must be wasted in enhancing this skill. As an individual, it is your responsibility to work on your interpersonal skills and put in your best when around your family members. Your contribution will certainly establish a healthy pattern and gradually everyone will follow in your footsteps.
Read on to see which workable ways can help you have better communication in your family:
1. ESTABLISH GADGET-FREE FAMILY MEETING RITUAL
While our lives have been consumed by the virtual world where we stay connected with our friends and all via social media, the importance of the one-on-one meeting is matchless. So, make it a ritual at your place to gather all the family members and have hearty chitchat for 15-30 minutes every day. This will certainly improve the bonding.
2. EAT ATLEAST ONE MEAL TOGETHER
Now, this sounds quite conventional but when we eat together, the level of comfort and connection enhances. Therefore, make sure you eat at least one meal together as a family and stick to it.
3. LISTEN EMPATHICALLY, WITHOUT JUDGING
Do you remember I have been talking about healthy communication time and again? Many people talk and connect a lot but they do it with a judgmental mindset. This makes others very uncomfortable and they try to curb their feelings and standpoints. To have clear and open communication, you must listen to your family members like an empath and not as a judge. Try it to believe its magical prowess.
4. AGREE TO DISAGREE RESPECTFULLY
When two mature and aware people discuss stuff, it is not necessary that they would always agree with each other and it is perfectly alright. The flaw that many people carry is that they think that if their family disagrees with them, it means they do not like them. This is extremely wrong as it causes friction and annoyance. Learn to respect other people’s viewpoints even if they don’t agree with you. This trait really improves the comfort level and consequently the family bonding increases.
5. ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER, NO MATTER WHAT
As a concerned person, you must keep in mind that your family members need you more than anyone else in their lives. So, never give up on them if they fail or go astray. Hold their hands and tell them that you value them even if they are in deep waters, for the time being. Trust me, they would not just bounce back but also form a connection with you like nothing else.
6. STAY CONNECTED, VIRTUALLY!
Sometimes family members cannot physically show up or meet each other due to cost, distance or illness. Communication can still be kept perfect and on track. The virtual connection via video calls really helps a lot and keeps the family members connected all the time. So, make sure to make each other a short video call to make them aware that they are valued and missed by you. The impact will be beyond awesome.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Undoubtedly, a family feels like a family if their communication is wonderful and this can surely be improved by using all the ways shared above. So, which one are you going to incorporate first?