Communication within families and particularly within the nuclear family structure is vitally important to maintaining balance, being informed and involved in each other's lives, and creating intimacy and showing concern. A study on family communication, "Families First" published by the Virginia Cooperative Extension at Virginia Tech, explains that communication is important within a family because it allows family members to express their wants, needs and concerns.
Weekly Family Discussions
Holding weekly family discussions allows for the exchange of information regarding family issues or other events in each family member's life. These discussions, which also can be referred to as family meetings, offer an opportunity for the expression of built-up emotions or conversations about specific issues. Busy families may find it useful to schedule a specific time and date every week to hold these discussions. This method can be useful as a means of touching base with each other, even if there is nothing pressing that needs to be addressed. The "Families First" study by Virgina Tech explains that one of the most difficult challenges facing families today is finding time to spend together. Making the time to hold these meetings on a weekly basis shows your family that you are committed to creating an atmosphere of open communication and that your family is a priority.
Family Therapy
If your family is dealing with difficult issues that cannot be effectively dealt with by the family itself, family therapy may be an option to consider. Family therapy is useful for many families who are experiencing a multitude of issues, such as grief or bereavement, abuse, or parenting issues. According to the Mayo Clinic, many families seek family counseling to improve troubled relationships or deal with difficult issues. Family therapy can often provide a safe forum for families to communicate their feelings in the presence of a neutral party who can also provide intervention if necessary. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy's online database can help you find a qualified therapist in your area (see Resources).
Do Something Fun Together
Doing something fun together without the pressure of needing to talk about sensitive topics or feelings can actually encourage discussion. When the pressure is taken off and the family has planned something enjoyable for everyone, children and teens in particular may find it easier to bring up issues that are bothering them or things they might not feel comfortable discussing otherwise. Additionally, since the pressure is removed, everyone can relax and talk about things that interest them or that aren't such heavy topics, which can help foster bonds and encourage the building of trust.
