FAMILY RELATIONSHIP: WHY IS IT IMPORTANT AND HOW TO BUILD IT?

A strong family bond is built on respect, mutual compromise, and finding common ground.

It makes life easier to have a family who is there for you no matter what. Every stage of life is crucial for family relationships. If life seems overwhelming. Beyond your control, the words of your spouse, mother, or siblings can help you to find the strength and courage to face it.

What makes a family?

A family is a group of people who are related and have an emotional bond as well as similar values. Family members may be connected through adoption, marriage, or birth.

The immediate family comprises parents, siblings, children, and spouses. Your extended family includes your grandparents, cousins, aunts & uncles, nephews, nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

There are many types of families: nuclear (a couple with their children), joint(a couple with their children, grandchildren), blended(a couple with their children and their children from previous marriages), etc.

Why are family relationships meaningful?

Because our mental health, well-being, and stability depend on our families, a family is essential.

• A family is a place where all members feel secure and connected.
• It gives us the comfort of knowing that we have people to help us in times of stress.
• Family allows us to feel loved, safe, protected and accepted despite our flaws.
• Children learn about relationships from their families. Children raised in loving families will have better relationships outside their homes.
• Strong relationships are a way to build trust with others, as family members share good times and bad.
• Family conflicts teach children to respect and how solve future problems.
• To be confident in your life, you need a strong family.

What are the Characteristics of a Strong Family?

Every family is unique. All strong families share some common traits. Below are a few examples:

1. Communicate well. A healthy family listens and talks to all its members. This encourages children and adults to share their opinions and have a say in decision-making.
2. Feel connected and share a sense of belonging. This feeling of commonality gives one psychological affirmation and the joy of being with like-minded people.
3. Enjoy time with one another. They ensure that they have at least one meal together each day. They love to play, camp, eat out, and talk politics. They are both involved in their lives but know when to stop.
4. Be kind to each member. They will accept you wholeheartedly and guide you if you choose to stray. They make you feel loved and get through their affection.
5. Be an example. The elders should model what they have taught the younger members. For example, the value system is established.
6. Support its members. While the world may be against you, your family is there for you. It will support you in your fight and let you know they are there to help you with your decisions. A close-knit family doesn’t discriminate among family members and responds to everyone’s needs.
7. View a crisis as an opportunity for growth. It helps you cope with difficult situations without becoming overwhelmed.
8. Care for the well-being of all family members. Family members should work together to support and care for one another. Only mutual love can inspire people to sacrifice their comforts to ensure the happiness of their families.
9. Be resilient. Families go through many ups and downs. No distressing event can break the bonds. A family is the source of loyalty.

All these virtues are not innately acquired overnight. To build a strong family, you must work together for many years.

How to Build Strong Family Relationships

These are some of the ways you can build strong family relationships:

1. Quality time

Set aside time daily (maybe for meal times) to be with family. This will allow you to talk about things and have fun together.

• Ask your family for stories and ask them simple questions to stimulate conversation. “, “How did you find your new Math teacher?” “
• To foster family bonds, set aside time for one-on-one conversations. Even if it is only five minutes before you go to bed, this can help bring everyone closer to each other.
• You can set aside some time for you and your partner.

2.Respect your spouse’s desire to communicate with you. Listen to their needs and give them attention. Allow them to speak their mind.

• Talk about complex topics with someone you can trust. It is better to be open about emotions like anger, frustration, or sensitive issues than to avoid them. Talking about them does not mean that you encourage them, but rather help solve the problem. Be open to having uncomfortable conversations. This is how families build trust and can reach out to each other in any situation.
• Prepare for spontaneous conversations with children. Children often share their feelings before bed or when they get out of the shower. Listen to them.
• Talk about concerns with teens, especially if they are teenagers. Families can find it difficult to talk about sex, money, and drugs with their younger members. Talking to your children is the best way to address these issues.
• Simple gestures such as kissing your forehead before bed can encourage non-verbal communication. This can communicate your love for them.

3. Recognize everyone in your family

Recognize each member for their efforts. Praise and thank them for looking after younger siblings to make them feel valued.

4. Recognize and celebrate each others’ talents, differences, and strengths

A family that values each family member is one of the best. It recognizes their uniqueness and celebrates their strengths. They also help one another to overcome their faults.

5. Keep your eyes on the problem at hand

Refrain from bringing up past issues when dealing with a problem. This will allow you to avoid the unpleasantness and focus on the situation.

6. Be a team player

Family members feel appreciated when they work together as a team. Take turns doing household chores. Let little ones help with tasks such as picking up toys and putting their shoes back.

7. Set clear family rules

Create family rules which clearly outline how each member should treat one another. You could say, “We speak respectfully with all members of our family,” or “In our families, we support each other regardless of what.” These simple but essential rules can help strengthen and maintain a family’s peace and harmony.

8. Teach your children to forgive and make amends

Healthy families teach their members how to forgive and apologize when they make mistakes. It teaches children to accept responsibility for their actions. To increase your sense of belonging, have fun family rituals unique to your family.