Having a strong relationship with your family members is something we all strive for, but personality differences can sometimes get in the way. Usually, with a little work and compromise, we can get beyond this. All relationships require a bit of work to succeed and family relationships are no different. Even with our busy lives and endless schedules, we need to put aside time for our families and take steps towards strengthening those bonds.

Practice Kindness

Being kind to one another is not difficult and it is also a simple lesson for children and younger family members on how to behave. Even if certain family members frustrate you, try and always approach them with kindness. It soon becomes a habit that sticks.

Make Time For Family Meals

Sitting down together at the table to share a meal is a wonderful bonding opportunity. It offers time and space to share what has happened during the day and creates a relaxed environment to unwind and let go with one another. A good family exercise for mealtimes is for everyone to express their highs and lows for the day. What was the best thing that you encountered in the day and what was the worst? Sometimes a family member needs that platform to share something that happened to them – good or bad – giving everyone else the chance to support them.

Plan Family Activities

Family activities are the perfect opportunity to bond and experience things together. They also create special moments that will form lasting memories for years to come. Plan to go hiking together or visit the local park for a picnic. This is an inexpensive way to enjoy the outdoors and each other’s company. Every person can bring a plate of food and drinks. Bring soccer balls, bat and balls or a pack of cards. Roll out a blanket under a tree and you have the perfect setting for a lovely day.

Schedule Game Night

Try and make it a once a week or fortnightly affair. Once you get into the habit of it, it will become something that everyone looks forward to. Choose different games for different nights and mix up the teams so that everyone gets a chance to play with one another. Game night usually results in loads of laughs and camaraderie and makes for another great bonding experience. You could even bring some prizes into the mix. Or have losers wash the winner’s cars etc.

Encourage Open Communication Or An Open Forum

Being able to voice one’s opinions in a non-judgmental space is key to making families work. Sometimes people get upset. Other times people get offended. It’s important to be able to talk about these things so as not to let it fester and get out of control. Having an open forum where anyone can say what they feel – provided it’s not hurtful towards anyone else – makes all family members feel comfortable to share what’s on their hearts. This makes for a healthy family environment where everyone feels that they matter.

Resources: https://www.sun-sentinel.com/; https://www.verywellfamily.com/

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