Sometimes family communication can be challenging and making it work well can seem an impossible task. We are sharing some ideas that might help make it easier, in this collaborative post.
All strong relationships are built on a foundation of strong communication and this is certainly true when it comes to your family. The number of families which break down because they don’t understand each other properly is staggering, and you certainly don’t want this to be you. Thankfully, communication is something that you can work at throughout your life, and in this article, we will discuss a few of the best ways that you can improve this with your family.
Minimise Distractions
You are never going to communicate at your best with the TV blaring in the background, so you need to do everything that you can to minimise distractions as much as possible. Try to set aside some time when you are all free to sit round a table and discuss how you are feeling about a certain situation. It may be very challenging if this is something that you are not used to, but it does get easier over time.
Make Communication More Regular
Communication is much more effective if it is something which is done on a regular basis, so rather than scheduling this time infrequently, you should make an effort to make it altogether more regular. Sitting down to have a meal together on a daily basis is a good time to speak to each other. Try to make a rule when you ban all electronic devices so you don’t end up getting distracted.
Listen Actively
Nobody likes to feel like they are being ignored which is where active listening can be an invaluable tool to learn and develop. Essentially, active listening refers to the act of trying to fully understand the other person’s views and opinions before formulating your own. Too often, people jump in and get defensive, not really willing to accept what the other person is telling them. Essentially, you need to be watching for body language, reading between the lines, and being as empathetic as possible.
Get on Their Level
When you are communicating with family members, physical cues and body language are both highly important. This is especially the case when you are talking to kids and you physically get down to their level. Keep an open stance rather than a defensive one with your arms crossed, and use simple non-accusatory language which is not going to result in an argument.
Seek Support
The level of support that you need really depends on your situation, so you may need to get help from your friends and family or you may need something on a more professional level like Austin Kemp Family Law Lawyers. Make sure you seek this help as soon as you can to make your life easier.
Show Respect
It is so important that you show as much respect as possible to the other person when you are communicating with them. People are often far too quick to start criticising rather than finding ways that they can be positive towards the other person.