Communication is a key component of any strong, successful relationship. While most people recognize that when it comes to romantic partnerships, it’s just as important for family relationships, too.
Whether you don’t feel as close as you want to with your family or you know there’s room for improvement, establishing effective communication skills can make a big difference.
If your family is busy, you might recognize it’s not that simple. Maybe you don’t see your kids as often as you want because they’re involved in extracurricular activities. Maybe you and your spouse work so much that you’re like ships passing in the night or you’re concerned that you’re not incredibly close with your extended family. Whatever your situation is, let’s cover four tips you can use to establish effective family communication and build stronger bonds within your family unit.
1. Schedule Time Together
One of the biggest issues families face is time. Kids have busy schedules. You have a busy schedule. You might all be on different schedules and hardly see each other throughout the day.
However, there is undoubtedly some time when you’re all free or when you can choose to be free, to spend together. Schedule an activity together once a week that allows you all to connect and converse.
Having designated family time (without distraction) shows everyone that you’re making each other a priority. You might be surprised by how much you all start to look forward to that time each week, and how much more you’ll get to know about each other.
2. Establish Routines
Routines are beneficial for a variety of reasons. They can bring a lot of comfort to your day and reduce stress.
Having routines within your household can also make regular communication easier. For example, if everyone wakes up around the same time each day, you can have some time to talk over breakfast before your kids go to school or you go to work.
Your routine could also include having dinner together every night, or talking for ten minutes before bedtime. Find what works for your family, and it will be easy to get into healthy communication habits.
3. Practice Active Listening
Most people understand that communication has to do with expressing yourself and your feelings. However, it’s just as important to be an active listener with the people you love. There’s a difference between simply “hearing” someone and truly listening to what they have to say.
Whenever you set aside time to talk to a family member, make sure you’re actively listening. Put your phone away and don’t let anything else distract you. Give them your full attention. Use nonverbal signals to let them know you understand what they’re saying. Ask questions. Validate their feelings and thoughts.
Being a good listener is just as important as being an effective speaker, and you will undoubtedly want the same respect from other family members when you’re talking. So, make sure you’re setting a good example.
4. Stay Connected Throughout the Day
Technology should never be a replacement for face-to-face communication. The other tips listed here should be your top priorities when it comes to effectively communicating with your family.
However, you can bolster your effective communication by using technology to stay connected all day, every day. Call your kids after school, or text your partner periodically. Simply “checking in” can go a long way in keeping everyone on the same page, and it can encourage more in-person communication when you’re together.
No matter how close your family is, there’s always room for improvement when it comes to communication. Not only will you build a stronger family unit, but you’ll be able to use those communication skills in other areas of your life, and set a strong example for your children so they can effectively communicate in the future.
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If you want to improve communication in your household and strengthen familial bonds, consider trying family therapy. Contact us for more information or to set up an appointment with one of our highly skilled therapists. Serenity Experiential Family Therapy Center offers therapy services in Colorado.