Few of us seem to cope with what we need to do before January 2021. Exams, year end functions, trying to make ends meet...
It is a sad fact that it often takes a crisis to realise that we have not been in touch with those around us, even though we may share the same house. Should we all decide to make it a priority to invest in a quality check for our relationships, we’ll not only survive the last weeks of the year, we’ll flourish right through whatever stressful times we may be facing.
A few tips to build stronger family relationships:
LISTEN
Go for a walk or a milkshake with each child individually and invite your partner for a one hour coffee break in your back yard if you don’t have someone to tend to your kids. Put the small ones to bed, explain to the bigger ones that you and dad need an hour to ask each other how you are doing. Keep this time relaxed. The aim is not to resolve differences, but to hear how the other party is doing. You do not need to address his/her problems. Take turns to only listen to each other. You’ll leave understanding and being understood.
CREATIVE REFLECTION
Most of the time none of us is aware of what is going on in our emotional and need tanks. Grab some clay or play dough and get your loved ones around once a week. Spend at least 10 minutes just scribbling or rolling out the clay without talking, but focusing on what they are feeling. Then everyone gets to mention one thing that makes him happy and one things that causes unhappiness/stress. After this get into molding or drawing – first the “unhappy/stressful thing” and then the “happy thing.” Sharing feelings is now encouraged, but no-one is allowed to comment on each others efforts or emotions. We are not aiming for works of art, doodles and stick figures are perfect. The aim is getting in touch with ourselves.
NAME CALLING AND SARCASM
No name calling, sarcasm and hurtful comments allowed any longer. Decide together on a reward for the person succeeding the best at this between now and end of January 2020. Also decide on penalties for those who relapse in into name calling, sarcasm and negative comments about family members.
Buildling Strong Family Relationships | Cooperative Extension ...
https://www.udel.edu/canr/cooperative-extension/fact-sheets/building-strong-family-relationships/
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