A strong family is all that you need to fight all odds in life. No matter how the day has been for you, no matter how people must have behaved with you, and no matter the problems you have been facing, the smiling face of your spouse and children help you stay balanced.
But that trust and support do not come easily. They are built over the years with careful nurturing.
We tell you about the importance of having family relationships, the characteristics of a strong family, and ways to build a healthy family.
* Spend quality timeSet aside some time (maybe meal times) every day as family time, when you can talk about things and laugh together.Share family stories or ask everyday simple things to encourage conversation, such as “Hey, what did you do today in the school?”, “How are you finding your new Math teacher?”Set aside one-on-one chat time for everyone in the family to foster your bond. It can merely be five minutes before going to bed, but this can bring every member close to one another.
* Maintain good communication with everyone in the familyWhen your children or spouse want to talk, respect their need and listen to them with attention. Give them enough time to express themselves properly.Be approachable to talk about difficult things. Talking about feelings like anger or frustration or delicate issues should be welcomed instead of shunning them. Talking about them doesn’t mean you are encouraging them but are helping solve the problem.Be ready for a spontaneous conversation with kids. They often talk about their feelings before going to bed or in the shower. Listen to them.Be prepared to talk about matters of concern, especially with teenagers. Families find it difficult to discuss sex, alcohol, drugs or finances with the younger members. However, it is through a conversation that you can address such matters.
* Appreciate everyone in the familyAppreciate every member for performing their duties well. For example, praising and thanking a teenager for taking care of a younger sibling will make them feel important.
* Acknowledge and celebrate each other’s talents, differences and strengthsA good family always cherishes the uniqueness of each of its members and acknowledges their abilities and strengths. At the same time, they help each other correct their shortcomings.
* Work like a teamWhen your family works as a team, every member feels acknowledged for their contribution. Share household chores. Allow little children to participate in chores like picking up their toys or putting their shoes back.