Five Steps to Successful Family Relationships

We all come from a family. Whether we choose who’s in our family or not, we are responsible for keeping peaceful relationships with them for the sake of the greater good. Family relationships can be tricky as the people are chosen for us most of the time. Sometimes, family members aren’t the type of personalities we would have befriended given a choice; however, since they are family, we have to nourish the relationships to keep the family together.

Here are five Steps to keeping your family together for now and in the future:

1)      Make Plans to see Each Other: These days with hectic school and work schedules, it is difficult to make impromptu visits. It is better to actually schedule visits so that each party has something to look forward to and can mentally prepare themselves for being around certain family members, especially if there has been tension in the past/present.

2)      Implement Family/Cultural Traditions: Each family has their own traditions and culture. Follow them in a positive manner and be open to experiencing/making new traditions as your family grows with extended members. Be open and inviting to new members in the family as they come and integrated their values and traditions if possible. With such diverse families nowadays, it is important to make sure each member feels valued.

3)      Give Each Other Gifts: Daily life and responsibilities can make us forget about the most important people in our lives: our family. Show them appreciation by showering them with gifts and compliments when possible. Sure, when the holidays roll around, we give gifts, however its a  nice surprise to be a recipient of a small gift during the year from your family simply because you love them.

4)      Share Your Family: Given our lifestyles and living within nuclear families, it is even more important to share your family with extended family members. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews have their own special place in the family and all should be recognized and appreciated and attempts should be made to get together with everyone on a frequent basis. Weekly, monthly, bi-monthly, whatever works for your schedule. Make sure extended members are in the lives of young new family members. This is even more important when you wish to implement a different language, culture, morals and values.

5)      Make Family Gatherings Special: When family members do make the time to spend together, make sure it is not spent arguing and fighting, which is common amongst siblings even as adults. Have a plan of how your wish the evening to go, from entrainment options (movies, sharing funny videos) have delicious foods available and activities for young members. Reminisce over old family photos, share family recipes, childhood funny stories, etc.  Creating a nice atmosphere with music, entertainment and delicious foods, will put even the moodest members in a good mood!

Creating memories together and enjoying each other’s company is what family is all about. To have and support each other and be open to the different lifestyles members have chosen for their path. Family is forever and they do have their challenges that we have to learn to overcome and not simple ignore. Our families have been in our lives since the beginning and they only increase in numbers and love.

Questions?
Comments?
Ideas?
fivestepstolife@gmail.com