3 simple tips for a happier family
Nobody has the perfect family. We all have issues or difficult times that put the family dynamic under pressure. But there are things that you can do to try to improve the happiness levels in your family.
1. Talk about how you feel
Poor communication is often the tipping point for family breakdowns. Being able to talk to each other is an important way to let your loved ones know how you’re feeling.
Feeling upset or angry at a family member isn’t an excuse to shut off communication with them. In fact, now is the time that you should be sitting down to discuss how this makes you feel and finding solutions to fix it. By ignoring the problem, it can fester into something bigger than it is.
Don’t forget to also communicate about the positives too – when someone has really helped you out or made you feel special. By letting them know that you notice and appreciate what they have done you are encouraging more of the same behaviour down the track.
2. Listen to other people
Often we think that we are listening, but in fact we are just thinking about what we are going to say next, or wondering what’s for dinner.
To truly listen to someone you need to give them your full attention.
You don’t need to fix all of their problems (if that’s what they are talking about), but just be attentive and empathetic.
Many of us just want to feel as though we are being heard. It shows respect to your family member that you can listen without judgement.
3. Give and take
Remember that communicating with family is not about ‘winning’ an argument or always being right.
Being able to compromise is important as it shows that there are ways to solve problems so that everyone wins.
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