When it comes to healthy relationships, communication is key. It opens doors locked up by anxiety and depression, allowing for the growth your family truly needs. Life can get complicated and hard to understand. Good communication gives families the opportunity to tackle those moments together. So, don’t shy away from talking to your loved ones about the challenges you’re facing. And in turn, welcome theirs. Ensure your loved ones know how much you care.
Listen Closely To Your Family
It may not seem obvious, but listening is an important tool of communication. Dysfunctional family relationships are those in which regular conflict occurs; often leading to neglect and abuse. One way to avoid conflict? First, listen, then talk. Ask your spouse or children about how they’re feeling and talk about the events going on in their lives. Repeat their words out loud to make sure they know you’re listening. You don’t have to agree with everything your family says to build healthy relationships. But, you do want to make sure that their thoughts, actions, and feelings are well communicated.
Remain Calm While Communicating
Everyone communicates in different ways. Understand that during hard times, staying calm is essential to maintaining a healthy home life. Be mindful of your tone. Communication is not only about understanding what each other is going through but being able to talk about it in a way that furthers mutual growth and success. If you’re dealing with a hot head, or have a short temper, excuse yourself from the conversation. It’s okay to walk away from situations like these, as long you communicate effectively where you’re going, why, and when the discussion will reconvene.
Trust + Communication = Healthy Relationships
Healthy relationships are built on trust and communication. Lucky for you, with these new techniques, building that trust should be easy! Remember to use phrases like, “Trust me” and “You matter”. Avoid assumptions and uneven tones. And, above all else, establish an open line of communication. If you are struggling to communicate with your loved ones, contact our office for assistance. First consultations are always free and can be done over the phone or in-person almost every day of the week.