Communication is very necessary
in any type of relationship. When dealing with families, communication is not only
the mere verbal exchange of information between members. It is the expression
of respect, affection and concern. Communication doesn't refer to the verbal
alone in the family, but also physical expressions and gestures; even an
affectionate look can be communicative in the family. It is through
communication that the members of a family make their requests, express their
love and desires, and offer pieces of advice to one another in the family. I
agree with an article on prokerala.com that family communication is very much
different from formal or official communication. Experts say that there are
four styles of family communication: Clear and direct communication, clear and
indirect communication, masked and direct communication and masked and indirect
communication. Each of these styles has benefits and disadvantages; thus, it is
the communicator who has to decide which style to be used according to the
situations. Whatever are the styles of communication and modes of it, people
agree in a point that communication is the essential instrument or bonding
factor in a family life. There are many practical tips to make communication
between family members more effective; here are five key points to keep your
family relationship intact:
Your Presence is
important: Let the communication in the family be more than just a verbal
expression. Even the presence of other family members can communicate a lot.
That is why it’s very important to see and be with your family members as often
as possible. The presence of parents
conveys the messages of safety, love and concern to the kids. Similarly, the
presence of spouse communicates the feeling of warmth. Use gestures of
affection lavishly in the communication. Even when you scold or correct a child
or spouse, holding them and talk to them in the most pleasing manner may help
the messages to be accepted in the desired manner. A kiss, a hug, an
appreciation, a thumps-up gesture, all can tell more than words can do.
Don’t always over
exaggerate: Many people tend to exaggerate too much when they express their
emotions or feelings in the family. Exaggeration is used as a mode of easing
the mental tension, but it may destroy the family harmony. When you talk or
express feelings, be lavish only to the limit of the tolerance of others.
Frequent exaggerated talks may bore others and make them distrust your words and actions.
Be positive: Negative
and sarcastic communication will destroy the warmth of family. Do not over
criticize or approach everything in negative way. Certain people cling to
sarcasm when they talk to others, especially with family members. This will destroy
the mood of talks and others may withdraw themselves deliberately from the
family communications. You can correct family members without putting them down.
Positive communication is much more effective than criticisms. Creative
criticism is helpful in family but always define limits to criticism. Let the
communication be appreciating, encouraging, supporting and soothing.
Be gentle to your
family members: Being clear, gentle and precise is the rule applicable to
any communication; so is to family communication. Do not leave blanks for
others to assume or interpret in family communication. If you want to say
something to the children or spouse, make your point clear in the most pleasing
way. Do not beat around the bush and make others unsure of the messages you
intended to pass. Being calm and gentle when you communicate is helpful to
invite the attention and action of others. Angry expressions or thoughtless
words may be taken lightly, also may not yield the expected results.
Keep communication
line open: Communication should not be like a timetabled ritual at home.
Find opportunity to talk to other members at home every day and every time.
Frequent and casual communication not only helps you to express your feelings
exactly, but also encourages others to talk. Mutual communication helps people
to grow in affectionate relationship with each other. When we communicate
effectively, we build a relationship with our family members and generally with
the people around us. We tend to break barriers that might be threatening our
relationships in any way.
No comments:
Post a Comment