Communication takes two. Each member of a family should engage and express feelings, desires and complaints to other family members to make their wishes known. Learn how to effectively communicate as a family by engaging in family communication exercises on a regular basis. Family exercises in communication can be adapted to all age groups, regardless of the family's size. Topics such as money, school, relationships, religion, sex and drugs are all important topics within a family. Effective family communication can help guide, nurture and support all family members.
Build Commitment
To build trust and security, and enjoy support from other family members, you've got to be there for your spouse, your kids and your parents when they need help. This means being aware of their feelings and pressures. Spend time together and really get to know your brother, your father or your aunt. Commitment to each family member brings families closer together through good times and bad, suggests associate professor Suzanna Smith of the Department of Family, Youth and Community Services at the University of Florida.
Actively Listen
Active listening is a basic component of communication, states the Center for Rural Studies. Listening encourages emotions like sympathy and compassion, and understanding of another's point of view, feelings or fears. Listen to what your child is telling you, and make an effort to understand what she's really saying. Respond to comments from your spouse or children, and reflect and interpret what they've said, making sure you understand what they mean. Offer feedback, support and encouragement for any member of your family to enhance open and transparent communication.
Teach Children to Communicate
Teach your children to communicate their feelings, emotions and opinions at an early age, suggests the University of Delaware. Such instruction teaches them not only to express themselves, but to listen to the feelings of others. Teach your children that communication is a two-way street, and that you should focus your full attention on others when they're speaking to you.
Teach Compromise
In large families or those with children of various ages, family members may need to compromise on decisions, activities and solutions, according to the University of Delaware. This means that everyone's opinion should be listened to, with the understanding that everyone in the family may not be happy at the same time. Solutions to issues regarding money, sports or school activities must be discussed with the entire family unit so children, spouses and other family members are aware of why certain decisions are made. This may help alleviate jealousy, conflict, anger and resentment.
