Communication is a key element to positive family relationships. Sharing with one another, discussing situations, planning together and expressing feelings are all part of healthy family communication. Although each family has its own blend of styles, the basics of being honest, listening to one another's viewpoints and keeping an open mind are all critical to developing acceptance and understanding. It is through the practice of regular communication that family bonds can become healthier and stronger.
Building Strong Family Bonds
Families that communicate well have learned that it takes both active listeners and honest speakers to create a meaningful exchange. Active listening involves stopping what you are doing and focusing completely on what the other person is saying, according to Dr. Patricia Tanner Nelson of the University of Delaware. It is important to exercise patience and keep an open mind as you listen. Likewise, families that encourage one another to provide open, honest communication provide a safe place to express feelings, desires and concerns. Sharing everyday stories can provide a forum for learning about one another's lives and enjoying lighthearted exchanges. Other communications may revolve around working out solutions to problems together. Both situations offer families an opportunity to appreciate each other's contributions and recognize the value of each family member.
Improving Marriage
Communication between couples is vital to working through everyday married life, crisis situations and conflicts. According to Jonathan Robinson, author of Communication Miracles for Couples, key elements in keeping communication flowing between couples includes acknowledgement and appreciation of the partner and acceptance of one another. One obstacle that couples often need to overcome is a desire to withdraw during conflict. Such withdrawal can be associated with negative emotions and weaken the positive connection in a partnership, according to Dr. Scott Stanley, professor at the University of Denver. Therefore, it is important to focus on supporting one another's input into the discussion.
Raising Healthy Children
Children and teens who sit down and enjoy meals and conversation with their parents at the end of the day are less likely to have problems with substance abuse, including drugs, tobacco and alcohol, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This time to communicate allows parents to help their children discuss and understand situations they may be encountering for the first time in their lives. It is also a wonderful time to discover one another's preferences and share light-hearted stories from the day. Whether at meal time or other times during the day, developing the habit of daily communication, both listening and speaking, helps children to develop self-esteem. When a young child learns that his viewpoints and stories will be met with sincere interest in his well-being, he will find it easier to share more information with his parents when he becomes a teenager. Together, they can explore solutions to problems and simply share the richness of life's events.
Creating a Safe Harbor
Once family members begin communicating constructively with one another, they will discover they have created a safe haven where each person is accepted and loved. The home can be a refuge where everyone can express their ideas and feelings without ridicule. Children can be guided, and all can help each other with reality checks and problem solving. Together, the home can become a low-stress place where each person is valued.
