Family relationships are important to most people but unfortunately they aren’t as strong as they could be. With such busy schedules, it’s easy to let our family relationships slide and often the people that mean the most to us get taken for granted. The good new is that it doesn’t have to be this way! With a little reprioritizing, we can improve our family relationships and connect with our families in meaningful ways. Caring Therapists offers some helpful tips below.
Your Family Should have Fun Together
You should never be too busy to have fun with your loved ones, especially when this is such an easy way to strengthen your family relationships. You can start by making a list of activities you enjoy as a family and new activities you would like to try together. These activities can be as simple as a family bike ride, bowling or playing a board game. Every family member can enjoy these activities as they do not require a lot of skill or stamina.
Say Thank You & Show Appreciation to Family Members
We all know how important it is to feel appreciated but it’s common to take family members for granted. It is simply not enough to feel positively toward your family; you also need to express that love and appreciation in your words and actions. Some suggestions are saying “thank you” more often, writing a note, giving a small gift, doing something to help them, really listening during conversations and following through on your promises and commitments. If you are not feeling very positive about some or all of your family members, you can challenge yourself to find one positive action or quality that you do appreciate and express that. Hopefully you will keep finding things to show gratitude for.
Support Family Members in Good & Tough Times
It is important to show up to each other’s activities to cheer on your loved ones’ victories and console them in their losses. Being present physically and emotionally strengthens the connection, trust and intimacy between family members.
Make Eat with Your Family Day Everyday!
Many studies have shown that adolescents are happier and better adjusted in families who regularly eat dinner together. Even if teenage kids are not part of your family structure, family mealtime is a chance to reconnect and talk about your day. Try to make a point to sit together, turn off electronics, and give each other your full attention as you eat.
It is Important to Be a Good Listener
Listening should be viewed as an active endeavor rather than passive. Listening shows that you are interested in what your family member has to say and value who they are. Active listening includes giving your undivided attention, making eye contact, asking questions to clarify, being sure you understand before responding, and giving verbal and non-verbal cues that you’re listening.
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You can strengthen family relationships when you slow down, remember what really matters, go out of your way to express your love and appreciation to your family members and enjoy spending time with them! The more you utilize these strategies for strengthening family relationships, the stronger they will likely get. Unfortunately, some family relationship problems require more than a family dinner and game of bowling. In these cases, family counseling truly can help. Call Caring Therapists to learn more about family and relationship counseling today!
