It’s not uncommon for family relationships to be similar to a jigsaw. Sometimes it can seem like one or more pieces are missing. It’s possible that you find yourself wondering, “How do all these pieces fit? Here are Connections Counseling Services you can use to strengthen your relationship with family and friends.
Communication is the glue which holds everything together. Consider it the oil that runs your family’s machine. Gears will grind and other things may become stuck without it. How do you keep your gears moving smoothly? Talk and listen. Listening to one another is a simple thing, but we often forget it.
Imagine this: Everyone is staring at their screens while you are eating dinner. Try making mealtime a no-phone zone. Share your experiences, no matter how mundane they may seem. You’d be surprised how much these little moments add up over time.
The next step is empathy, which involves putting yourself into someone else’s position. It’s very easy to forget about others and get caught up with our own struggles. Remember the days when you were teenagers? Your parents may have seemed aliens who were just not getting it. Flip the script: Maybe your teen feels that way about you.
Here’s an interesting idea: Hold a game night for the family where each person chooses their favorite activity. This is not only about fun. It’s also about understanding each individual.
Disagreements, let’s admit it, are bound to happen. When tempers flare up, it can be tempting to use harsh words and raise your voice. It’s important to stay calm.
Imagine yourself in an argument with your brother or sister over something silly like who gets to eat the last pizza slice (yes, that happens). Say something like “I am upset because I looked forward to getting that slice.” Instead of screaming, take a breath and calmly say: “I am sad because I was anticipating it.” This may sound cheesy, but it can help diffuse tension by expressing your feelings.
Quality time is gold. We live fast-paced, so finding time to spend with family can seem like trying catch water in a sieve. I’m here to tell you that even small moments of togetherness can be valuable.
Remember the lazy Sunday afternoons you spent watching movies or playing board games? Bring them back. Make family time a priority. Even if only once a month is all you can manage, everyone should participate willingly.
When it comes to participation, include everyone in the decision making process whenever possible. Involve all family members in the decision-making process, whether it’s planning a trip or deciding on what to serve for dinner.
Hey, you don’t even have to be perfect. No one expects that you will become Super Parent (overnight or ever). You can be a little lenient when things do not go as planned. That’s life!
Finally, it’s important to never underestimate the power in saying “I Love You”.
You’ve got it! A few tips I picked up on my couch in order to help families reconnect amidst chaos. The next time you feel like your family is disjointed, keep these tips in mind. It takes a little effort from everyone involved to get those smiles.
With these new insights, may your family bonds become stronger than ever!