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Importance of Family Relationships

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Published: Aug 31, 2023

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Emotional support and security, healthy development and identity formation, nurturing communication skills, shared traditions and cultural heritage, crisis support and resilience, socialization and moral development, interpersonal skills and conflict resolution, elderly care and generational exchange, building strong communities and societal cohesion, conclusion: the enduring significance of family bonds.

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  • Family Bonding Essay

Comprehensive Family Bonding Essay Writing Guide with Examples

By: Angelina Grin

Comprehensive Family Bonding Essay Writing Guide with Examples

Since family bonds are perceived to be an important part of human connections, essays about family are common. The problem of family ties has been intensified by the challenging economic conditions and the dramatic changes that have taken place in people's lives in recent times.

Family Bonding Essay Sample

No facts and statistics, absence of sections, personal opinion usage, essay's inclination is negative, a solution section is missing, sources you can use in this essay, family bonding essay example in 500 words.

  • 1. What is the best way to bond with your family?
  • 2. How should you describe family bonding?
  • 3. Transformation of family values and the evolution of marriage
  • 4. Writing an essay about the effect of technology on family relationships

Important Tips to Keep in Mind When You Write Family Relationship Essay

It's no surprise that a study paper on "family bonding" is so common. Of course, different people have different ideas about what a family means and what constitutes family values, and the formation of these values is dependent on the individual's context. This article will provide you with valuable knowledge about families and some pointers about how to write a family relationship essay. You'll also learn some interesting facts and figures about the subject.

Here is a sample essay on the subject of our discussion, written by Noor, a high school student from Chicago:

A good family provides a sense of belonging. Our origins take root in our families, and we rise from there. We are formed by a support system that trains us for what and how we will encounter in the future, including both good and hard times.

A real-life family system differs from the typical families shown in novels and televisions. This is why they come with a disclaimer. A real-life family unit comes with advantages/disadvantages and ups/downs.

It is the family that serves as a support for each person in it, and it is this group of people that can also serve as a major obstacle in the development of a member of the family. This is because the ties of love are too strong to be broken, and love, as we all know, is blind. I can say that this undying devotion to one's family can also be a major obstacle to progress. For example, a child wants to become a scientist, but his family makes him practice cricket, wanting him to become like Sachin Tendulkar.

Aside from being a pillar for the whole family, it's been said that any good partner has a supporting partner behind them. For instance, the male is considered the head of the family in a nuclear family. A joint or extended family has many heads of the family. This demonstrates how well a supportive and cooperative spouse can help a person advance in their career.

Family relations, like anything else, have their positives and drawbacks. The drawbacks, though, are so minor that the significant benefits outweigh them, and the nature of family life and its ties prove to be well worth it.

Essay Analysis: Why the F amily Relationships Essay Will Not Get 100/100?

Noor's essay is a neatly written essay with a good introduction and conclusion. It lays down the importance of family ties. However, it is incomplete in several aspects. This is why:

  • The addition of statistics is considered essential for a high-quality essay because a research paper will back up your theory.
  • In the above essay, Noor can include statistics at several points related to bonding time, for example,
  • According to studies , as families participate in activities collectively, young people gain vital interpersonal and communication skills and have higher self-esteem.
  • Or another statistic like the following to hold the reader's attention:
  • Did you know that it is easier for families to get through difficult times when they feel supported?

The essay does not contain a proper flow to it. There are no headings or sections to indicate which sub-topic is being discussed. Noor could have sectioned the essay as follows:

  • Introduction
  • Importance of family bonds
  • Drawbacks of family bonds

In the third paragraph, Noor uses the sentence: "I can say that this undying devotion for one's family can also be a major obstacle to progress."

It would be best such personal statements are not included. Noor could have used the following sentence instead: This very same undying emotion for one's family can also be a major obstacle to progress.

The above essay is supposed to write down the advantages and disadvantages of family bonding. Noor's essay content and the essay conclusion contradict each other. The essay's inclination is more towards the drawbacks. However, in conclusion, it is stated that "The drawbacks, though, are so minor that the significant benefits outweigh them".

To correct this, Noor could have included more advantages of a family in the essay's content.

Noor could have listed down some ways to increase the quality of family relationships, such as:

  • Family should encourage and support each other.
  • Family members can take out some time alone to recharge.
  • Family members can go on volunteering trips.
  • Parents should take time to understand and support their kid's hobbies and passions.
  • Families should reach out to their neighbors and other families to improve social skills and activities. At this point, some precautions can also be noted down. For example, parents should be with their children while interacting with strangers.

As stated above, the inclusion of research and statistics backed up by evidence improves the quality of essays , ensuring higher grades. Here are a few pieces of research and studies you can use in an essay on family time:

  • Family Relationships and Well-Being
  • Parent-Child Shared-Time From Middle Childhood to Late Adolescence: Developmental Course and Adjustment Correlates
  • Associations Between Early Family Meal Environment Quality and Later Well-Being in School-Age Children
  • Volunteering and health benefits in general adults: cumulative effects and forms

Blessed with a loving family an essay written by A. Grin

Especially after the struggles of the COVID-19 pandemic, I consider myself very lucky to have been blessed with a loving family. Throughout lockdown, I was surrounded by supportive relations who I knew were there for me, even at my lowest. As I struggled through quarantine, riddled with anxieties and loneliness, missing school friends, hangouts, and house parties, they were there for me at every turn. After all, as that famous Burmese quote goes, “In time of test, family is best.”

But things haven't always been this easy for us. Our family history is a bumpy one, filled with many of the same family issues that a lot of other people face. Over the past few years, however, we've all made a special effort to grow closer.

So many families drift apart once the children have grown up and left home for university. We didn't want this for us. My experiences have shown me how big a part of my life my siblings and parents are; I hope that this essay on my family relationships can do some justice to them.

I think the thing that saved our family was our dedication to spending more time together. This seems like an obvious statement, but many people don't realize just how important quality time is. There are studies that show that spending time with your family can improve your mental well-being and self-confidence, reduce the risk of behavioral problems in children, and even lengthen your life expectancy.

My siblings and I attend the same school, so I see them often—but this on its own wasn't enough. We felt it was important that we dedicate a portion of each day to spending quality time together. So, in the evenings, we'd often help each other with school work. Afterward, we'd play video games ( Tekken or Mario) together or go outside for a walk while the sun was still up. This gave us the chance to have a laugh and mess around, but also check in with each other to see how our lives were going.

We also all made a greater effort to draw closer to our parents. On the weekends, we'd go on outings. Sometimes we'd go hiking, other times we'd go explore a museum or gallery and grab some lunch. This allowed us to catch up with each other and find out more about what was going on in all our lives.

By making these efforts to draw closer, we were able to strengthen our bonds. This meant that when the coronavirus pandemic hit, we were all in a better place to deal with the challenges I brought. I believe this is the perfect example of how important our relationships are to us, and demonstrates how crucial it is that we take an active role in cultivating them.

What Topics Should I Consider when Writing My Family Bonding Essay?

As is the case with any written piece of work, the clearer and stronger the theme of your essay the more compelling it will be. So, when you're outlining your short essay about family bonding, consider what topic you are going to choose to write on. This section covers a few ideas as well as some example paragraphs on family bonding.

family members bonding essay topics examples

1. What is the best way to bond with your family👨‍👩‍👧‍👦?

In your essay, you might choose to write an essay on family bonding time and its importance to relationships. At a time when so many families have had their strength tested by the COVID-19 pandemic, economic struggles, and political upheaval, some may feel they have drifted apart. Many are looking for ways to bond with their family and form stronger relationship ties.

You might recommend your reader spend quality time with their family: taking part in activities, connecting with relations one-on-one, and showing real interest and compassion for each other. These are just a few examples of different approaches you could take, but there are many more avenues for you to explore when writing your essay on the importance of family bonding.

Example: Many families find that taking the time out of the day to share a meal can help strengthen bonds in the family unit. Research has shown that having a meal as a family at least three times a week reduces the risk of depression, encourages healthy eating habits in children, and is a large factor in helping kids maintain good nutritional health. Furthermore, eating together allows you to catch up on each other's lives and lets you get to know one another much better.

2. How should you describe family bonding? ✍️

But how should you describe bonding in your short essay about family bonds? The answer to this question depends in part on the audience for your paper and why you've decided to write it. If you're writing a narrative essay about family bonding for a literary magazine, you're likely to use a more literary, emotive kind of language than if you're writing an academic paper for social studies. You're also more likely to include descriptions of personal life experiences in that type of paper.

Generally speaking, however, if you are describing your own family and ways you've tried to bond as a unit, you should describe what exactly it is you all did and what observable impact it's had on your relationships.

Example: A few months ago, my family decided we'd all make a more concentrated effort to bond and develop our relationships with one another. We decided that to do this, we'd take up hiking. Twice a month, we go for weekend outings to nearby nature spots and spend the day traipsing the hills. In the morning before we leave, my siblings and I help our mom put together a packed lunch for us to enjoy together during our walk. Spending this time together, away from technology and other distractions, has helped us draw closer.

3. Transformation of family values and the evolution of marriage 💒

You could also write an essay about family relationships and values, and how these things can evolve. As society shifts, as time passes and cultures merge, as some countries drift further and further towards secularism, it's only natural that family values would change as well.

Not only have these values changed over time but so have the very nature of our relationships. Consider marriage, for example. The Western tradition of marriage began as a transition of ownership, with the father of the bride passing on his daughter to the groom. These days, marriage isn't seen through this archaic lens. This is because, over time, our values and sense of political correctness have shifted.

Example: It was not all that long ago that marriage was legally considered a matter of ownership. We may believe that these ideas belong to the distant past, but the trust is that, in the UK, men legally owned their wives' bodies up until 2003. Some cultures still take this archaic viewpoint, even denying the existence of sexual assault within marriage due to the wife “belonging” to her husband.

4. Writing an essay about the effect of technology on family relationships🧑‍💻

If you're thinking of writing something a bit more current and topical, then you could perhaps choose to write about the impact of technology on the family unit. Topics like these are interesting as they offer the potential for debate. After all, technology is neither all good nor all bad; nor is its impact.

On the one hand, consider the role technology played in keeping families together during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether it was through Zoom calls, online quiz nights over Skype, or Netflix watch parties with distant relatives, technology provided a way to keep in touch with loved ones over lockdown.

Then again, on a day-to-day basis, technology can be a hindrance as much as a help. Technology can lead to reduced socialization and in-person interaction, and a decrease in the quantity and quality of time spent together.

Example: The impact of technology on modern civilization is undeniable, but its impact on the family unit specifically must be emphasized. As is so often the case, it isn’t a case of technology having either a positive or negative impact. The truth is that it comes with both pros and cons—pros and cons that must be carefully weighed. For example, technology can make it easier for families to keep in touch over long distances. It can also help make our lives more convenient, freeing up time to spend with our loved ones. On the other hand, the more time we spend staring at a screen, the less time we spend forging connections with our family, meaning that our family bonds often suffer as a result of technology, too.

If none of these suggestions has taken your fancy, check out some of the below pages for even more ideas for short essays:

  • Childhood Years in Calamba
  • The Power Of My Mother Tongue
  • Describe Your Personality
  • Essay about my family
  • Become better human being

Below are a few crucial steps to follow after you complete your essay:

In this section, we'll cover a few crucial tips for you to remember when composing your essay about family bonding. Make sure you've checked off all these pointers before submitting your paper:

  • Make sure you've included headings and subheadings. These help to improve the structure of your piece and ensure that it's easy for readers to follow.
  • Ensure that you only include information that's relevant to your essay. It can be tempting to bulk up your word count with pointless fluff, but your markers will notice if you do!
  • Carefully check your paper for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. If you can, take a break after writing first. Taking a break will make it easier for you to catch mistakes in your work.
  • Diligently run your paper through plagiarism detection software. Plagiarizing, even accidentally, can get you into serious trouble. At university, an accidental or first-time offense can result in you losing marks or even getting zero marks. After repeat offenses, you may be suspended or expelled.
  • Make sure you pay attention to deadlines. Plan well in advance of your final deadline. Make sure that you give yourself plenty of time to write your essay, with additional time for proofreading and editing.

You can also contact Studybay for assistance in professional writing services .

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how to build a good relationship between family members essay

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Add Your Comment

We are very interested to know your opinion

Writing a family bonding essays are such a powerful way to celebrate the unique and special connection we have with our families. Thank you for highlighting its importance!

It's wonderful to see the power of family bonding celebrated in this piece, reinforcing the value of the relationships we build with those around us.

The examples here really drove home the message of how crucial it is to have strong bonds with our loved ones. I can't wait to apply these insights to my own paper.

This article really highlights the importance of having close ties with our loved ones. The tips for writing a bonding essay are super helpful too!

how to build a good relationship between family members essay

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8 Ways to Strengthen Family Bonds and Improve Family Relationships

how to build a good relationship between family members essay

Anchor Light Therapy Collective

Work, school, and personal life can quickly get in the way of focusing on special time with loved ones. But really, how often do you spend quality time in the same room with your whole family? How much of that time is spent doing an activity together?

With intention, you can start allowing more space for family bonding. Creating bonding rituals with your family members can help strengthen family relationships, emotional health, and family resiliency. Your family could reap the benefits of enhancing connection through communication and openness.

Understanding the importance of family bonding

As much as we want to prioritize family time and bonding time, more often than not, it falls to the wayside when work, school, and personal problems start to overwhelm us. However, it is easy to forget that the benefits of family bonding can positively impact areas of our lives that are less overt.

Individuals with positive family relationships are likelier to cope with stress and engage in healthier behaviors.  Research on adolescents  shows that those with positive family dynamics are less likely to engage in risky behaviors, less likely to have a mental health diagnosis, and more likely to have higher levels of self-esteem. Children and teens with a strong family bond have  fewer problem behaviors  and increased resiliency. Over time, the ability to present high levels of resiliency will prove helpful when facing challenges in school and work down the line.

In more way than one, bonding serves as a protective factor for children and teenagers.

When family members make space for family bonding, there is an increased sense of self and understanding of one’s identity. Positively interacting with family allows children and teens to understand their place in the world and how they relate to others. An increased sense of self will pave the way for heightened confidence, making decision-making and problem-solving much simpler for your child.

How can we strengthen the bonding among family members?

Family bonding is crucial for the emotional and psychological health of its members. In today’s busy world, it’s easy to let meaningful family interactions slide in favor of work, school, and personal activities. However, with a little effort and intention, you can create opportunities for your family to grow closer and strengthen your bonds. Here are eight ways to do just that. In addition to the below suggestions, families can promote connection, positivity, and emotional growth by leveraging productive approaches to conflict and punishments. Effective alternatives to time-out are a great example of taking a tough moment and flipping the script into a positive growth opportunity.

1. Plan quality time

Consider quality vs. quantity – just because you have a lot of something does not mean it is high value. To work on your family bond, try searching for hobbies and activities each family member can enjoy together. When the entire family enjoys themselves, there is less room for negativity or conflict and more room to express love and compassion.

Getting out of the house is always a great idea, but occasionally, plans are impacted by weather and temperature. When looking for hobbies that everyone can enjoy, it is helpful to consider indoor and outdoor activities. Your kids will thank you for having a backup plan when their outdoor plans get rained out.

When you get some activities scheduled, hang a calendar in a shared space in your home. Your kids can look to the week ahead and anticipate these activities before they occur. This will help build excitement and facilitate planning and problem-solving for what’s to come. Rituals and traditions are good ways to strengthen family bonds. A few ideas of rituals include Sunday afternoon visits to the movie theater, making Wednesday nights pizza night, or reading books together before bedtime. Some other ways to strengthen family relationships include scheduling family dinners, planning game nights, and finding fun ways to complete chores together.

2. Prioritize family dinners

Dinners are an easy part of the day in which family members can give each other their full attention and engage in important or fun discussions. Kids who eat dinner with their families daily are likelier to experience better family relationships, improved academic performance, heightened self-esteem, and greater resiliency. Further,  research shows  that teens who eat with their families regularly report lower levels of depression and lower levels of risk-seeking behaviors.

There is a lot of coordination that goes into a family meal: prepping the food, cooking the food, setting the table, and getting the dishes cleaned. Find ways to involve your family members in the cooking and preparation. Little ones can help set the table, wash the produce, and stir ingredients. Older kids and teens can help wash dishes, chop ingredients, and preheat the oven. Some of these tasks may seem overwhelming, but these short-term goals will lead to long-term success in the family system.

Having a designated dinner time with the family can facilitate an opportunity to try new foods together. Setting this expectation will allow less resistance from your picky eaters over time. When you get into the habit of eating family meals together, you can develop menus together and strategize with your picky eaters. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what the meal is or what time of day you are sitting down to eat with your family; what matters most is that you are together and utilizing the opportunity to communicate

how to build a good relationship between family members essay

3. Organize game night

Gaming is an excellent activity for strengthening family connections and creating lasting memories. We all know that games are fun, but there is more to gaming than meets the eye. Incorporating family game night into your week can increase family satisfaction and promote family bonding. Playing video games together as a family, surprisingly to some, is also helpful in promoting family closeness.

Children can pick up helpful skills from board games and other activities, such as improved motor skills, problem-solving, and communication skills. As children work with (and against) other family members, they refine their collaboration skills and goal-seeking behaviors. Games are a fantastic opportunity to learn what it means to win and lose, providing significant benefits outside the family network. One of the most important things your family can do while gaming is to debrief afterward, exploring what your family learned, what they would do differently next time, and what challenges they faced while participating in the game.

4. Make chores a family activity

Though chores are rarely fun, there are some strategies that parents can take to make the process more cohesive with family life. Consider what could improve chores and how you can incorporate your child’s interests during chore time. Start by scheduling times for the family to complete chores together; kids are more likely to participate in an activity when they know their parents and siblings are also involved.

Some parents integrate themes or pretend play into chore time, whereas others find a way to compete or race against time playfully. Occasionally, kids express distaste for completing the same chores week after week. One way to get around this is by drawing chores from a jar or hat during cleaning day.

how to build a good relationship between family members essay

5. Make room for alone time

Regardless of how well your family takes to bonding activities, it is still essential to take time for yourself. Parents easily get caught up in their kids’ lives and vice versa, which is natural when you spend quality family time together. Bringing your best self every time you spend time with your family is challenging, but engaging in self-care rituals makes this much easier. Scheduling activities for yourself, whether it is an activity you can enjoy alone or a special date night without the kids. The same goes for the other members of your family!  Alone time  and self-care give us all space to learn more about ourselves and decompress when we’re irritable.

6. Get exposure to other families

By interacting with other families, parents can learn how other family bonds look and how other families tackle problems together. When you talk to your friends and their families about parenting, you collaborate as a community and work toward a greater purpose. Ask other families about their stories: what they like to do for fun, how they overcome obstacles, and how they create their memories.

Parents may feel intimidated by letting other parents and families into their lives. These parents may fear criticism or not being seen as a “good enough” parent. Letting those worries go allows you to open your mind to new approaches. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable with others can help develop more awareness of what is working for your family and what isn’t.

how to build a good relationship between family members essay

7. Make sure all family members are heard

strong and resilient. Likewise, family bonds suffer when communication breaks down due to emotional immaturity . Kids grow, and expectations change over time, so some of the activities you may do with your family now might not stick down the road. Pushback might mean that someone’s needs are not being met or that there are different ideas of what family time could look like. Regular check-ins and family meetings are good strategies for creating open communication within the family network.

Commit to listening wholeheartedly. You can practice  active listening  with eye contact and open body language. Your child, teen, and other family members will know you listen when you respond and reflect on what they share. Active listening is a great way to show that you support your loved ones and create a shared life together, and a great way to foster healthy relationships.

8. Engage in Family Traditions and Celebrations

Creating and maintaining family traditions and celebrations is a powerful way to strengthen family bonds. Traditions provide a sense of identity and belonging, offering comfort and security to family members. They can be as simple as a yearly family vacation, celebrating cultural or religious festivals, or creating unique family events. Celebrations, big or small, like acknowledging each other’s achievements or milestones, also add to the sense of family unity. These practices create lasting memories and instill values and a sense of heritage, fostering a more profound connection among family members.

how to build a good relationship between family members essay

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What does strengthen family bonds mean.

Strengthening family bonds means creating a deeper connection between family members and deepening the bonds of love, respect, trust, and understanding. It can involve activities that bring the family together, such as shared meals, game nights, or outings. It can also involve communication exercises to help family members better understand each other’s perspectives and feelings. Ultimately, strengthening family ties helps create a safe and supportive environment where all members can thrive.

Working with a licensed family therapist can help strengthen family member bonds

Working with a licensed family therapist can be immensely beneficial for families struggling to build or maintain strong bonds. Family therapy offers a safe space for members to express their feelings, work through conflicts, and understand each other’s perspectives. Therapists employ various techniques to improve communication, resolve issues, and teach skills that enhance family dynamics. These sessions can help identify underlying problems, foster emotional healing, and guide families toward healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

Family therapy can be a transformative experience, empowering families to navigate challenges together and reinforcing their bonds for a stronger, more connected family unit.

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The Importance of Family Love

Learn how to create and sustain this type of love.

Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

What Is Family Love?

Benefits of family love.

  • Estrangement
  • Negative Impact of the Pandemic

Creating Family Love With Friends

  • How to Sustain Family Relationships

The first love you ever know often comes from your mother and your immediate family members. This unconditional love seeks nothing in return. Those loving times you remember cuddling with your parents, playing ball with your brother in the backyard, or getting ice cream down the street with your grandmother aren’t just cherished memories.

A family's love psychologically grounds you and provides a framework for future relationships. It enables you to form secure attachments . Securely attached children feel safe and cared for. If you had secure bonds, your parents were likely responsive and fulfilled your needs when you were young.

Having positive attachments and feeling cared for by your loved ones leads to higher social functioning later on. A child with secure attachments also can more easily form healthy ties with others when they grow up and throughout their future.

The advantages mentioned above regarding the fostering of secure attachments and higher social functioning aren’t the only ones accrued by stable family relationships. When you feel safe, protected, and cared for during those crucial early years, you have a good framework for the world. The future outlook seems bright.

Living in a warm environment that is surrounded by a family's love generates other benefits including:

  • You gain confidence and a high sense of self-esteem .
  • You learn conflict resolution skills .
  • You learn about communication and social interactions.
  • You have good physical health (thanks to home-cooked healthy meals, regular exercise and play, and early bedtimes).
  • You become more resilient and adaptable as you and your family surmount challenges.
  • You feel like you have support when you need it.
  • You feel a sense of stability and predictability based on routine.
  • You don’t have to do anything to earn family love. You have it unconditionally—just for being born.
  • Your childhood experiences and growth are seen in a positive light.
  • You also decrease the possibility that you’ll have mental health challenges in the future.

Recent Research

A 2019 study showed that adults with higher levels of positive childhood experiences had lower odds of depression and/or poor mental health and greater adult-reported social and emotional support.

Feeling loved by our families and having great childhood experiences when you’re young is important. The study also showed that enhancing positive childhood experiences may reduce adult mental health problems even when adverse childhood events happened.

Estrangement From Family Members

Perhaps you didn’t have an idyllic childhood and your parents weren’t good role models. You might have chosen to distance yourself from them by choice. Or in later years, you preferred to strike out in a different direction than the one you were expected to follow.

Thus, rather than have tension and discomfort, you opted not to spend time with family.

About 27% of Americans are estranged from a family member. That’s according to a survey by the  Cornell Family Reconciliation Project  conducted for the book, Fault Lines: Fractured Families and How to Mend Them , by Cornell University sociologist Karl Pillemer.

What If Effects of the Pandemic Negatively Impacted Your Family?

During COVID-19, family dynamics often shifted. As a result of spending more time together, let’s face it. Many of us became frustrated with each other. Some relationships frayed. Unable to escape to movies or to meet friends, you might have even grown resentful of your brother playing his music too loud or your cousin eating your favorite cereal on a daily basis.

Though you are related to them by genetics, maybe you’ve grown tired of being cooped up with them. With added stressors and demands placed upon you, you might feel you didn’t get the understanding or assistance you needed.

Consequently, you may feel depleted and, to be frank, less than enamored with these people. Many confess they are more alienated from family members now than before the pandemic, although the whole family still remains under the same roof or in the same apartment building.

Recent research from Penn State showed because family members were stuck together for more time than they were used to, people's overall well-being began to suffer.

Others of us lived and worked across the country from our family. We couldn’t travel to visit them or perhaps we couldn’t give much time to loved ones. Maybe we felt guilty. Maybe we were relieved.

Disagreements over politics , wearing masks, and getting the vaccine strained family relationships. Perhaps you feel there won’t be a return to the way things were before the pandemic and that’s okay.

You can cope with estranged relationships and make peace with them through family therapy or individual therapy .

If you didn’t have a wonderful family experience growing up or don’t have one now, you still have agency in creating another kind of family. Family love can be found whether it’s based on bloodline relationships or not.

Family love can be built with a group outside of your family, such as your friendship circle. Rest assured you don’t have to be extremely close to your parents or siblings or children to have familial love.

The relationships you forge with neighbors, friends from work, or childhood friends who might be back in your life can serve extremely well as your family. Perhaps you’re close to college friends or church friends. You can establish your own close ties with people you choose to be with.

For many people, their close friends aren’t just "like family," they are family. The important thing is to have close, meaningful relationships as they sustain us.

According to a scientific review of about 150 studies that included 300,000 participants, people with strong social ties have a 50% better chance of survival than those with weaker ties. This is regardless of age, sex, or health status.

While we can maintain ties through texting or quick phone calls to just check in, you might want to devote more attention to these important relationships in your life. We need to remember that having these close relationships is a significant aspect of good health.

Tips for Nurturing Family Love

Let’s focus on easy ways to maintain these bonds; they matter deeply. Here are additional ways to nurture family love and significant relationships:

  • Make spending time with loved ones a priority.
  • Play games online regularly.
  • Practice better listening skills .
  • Write letters and send via snail mail .
  • Set up a regular weekend hour to chat at length.
  • Travel to your loved one’s home.
  • Eat meals together.
  • Cook together in person or virtually.
  • Set up a weekly happy hour.
  • Join an exercise or weight lifting class together.
  • Join a recreational sports team together.
  • Volunteer together for a charity you both admire.
  • Be sensitive and caring.
  • Tell your loved ones you love them .
  • Express your gratitude to them, which not only will make them happy but makes you happier.
  • Use non-verbal expressions like eye contact, smiles, and affectionate embraces.

Hugs are important as we need physical touch as human beings . In fact, during a warm and welcome hug , the hormone oxytocin is released, which slows down our heart rate, reduces stress, and lowers anxiety. In addition, the brain also releases endorphins that flood us with feelings of pleasure and happiness.

There are many benefits of belonging to a supportive family network.  It’s an integral part of physical and mental well-being. Begin to focus your time and attention on those you love. Soon you’ll be creating fun times and happy memories.

Bethell C, Jones J, Gombojav N, Linkenbach J, Sege R. Positive Childhood Experiences and Adult Mental and Relational Health in a Statewide Sample: Associations Across Adverse Childhood Experiences Levels .  JAMA Pediatr.  2019;173(11):e193007. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.3007

Feinberg ME, Mogle, JA, Lee JK, Tornello SL, Hostetler ML, Cifelli JA, Bai S, Hotez E. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Parent, Child, and Family Functioning . Fam. Proc . 2021. 

Holt-Lunstad J, Smith TB, Layton JB. Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review . PLOS Medicine . 2010.

By Barbara Field Barbara is a writer and speaker who is passionate about mental health, overall wellness, and women's issues.

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How Should I Go About Writing My Family Essay?: Examples and Tips

How Should I Go About Writing My Family Essay?: Examples and Tips

Family is an integral part of every individual's life. Delving into the intricate layers of family relationships and dynamics can yield a captivating essay. Here's a comprehensive guide with examples and tips to guide you through the process.

What Topics Should I Write About for My Family Essay?

Choosing the right topic is essential. Here are some suggestions:

Writing a Family Tree Dive into your roots! A family tree can be more than names and dates; it can narrate stories of ancestors, their challenges, achievements, and legacies. For instance, "When I looked into our family tree, I discovered that my great-grandfather was a sailor who traveled the world and had countless tales of adventures, some of which have become legendary bedtime stories in our family."

Describing My Family in My Essay Discuss each family member in detail. "My sister, with her fiery red hair and matching temper, is the exact opposite of my calm and analytical brother. Yet, when they come together, they create the most amazing music, with him on the piano and her singing."

Writing About a Personal Memory Share a poignant memory. "I remember the time when our cat, Whiskers, went missing. The entire family turned detectives overnight, searching for clues, putting up posters, and even setting up a 'cat trap' with her favorite treats. The adventure ended with Whiskers found sleeping peacefully in the neighbor's shed, unaware of the chaos she had caused."

Dos and Don’ts When Writing a Family Stories Essay

  • Be authentic.
  • Use vivid descriptions and dialogues.
  • Respect privacy; ask permission if sharing personal details.
  • Avoid making generalizations.
  • Refrain from being overly negative or critical.
  • Don't plagiarize; every family's story is unique.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a good hook for an essay on my family? As Tolstoy once said, 'All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.' Our family, though, has found its unique shade of happiness.
  • What should I include in an essay about me and my family? Descriptions of family members, memories, traditions, challenges, and lessons.
  • How should I start an essay all about my family? Every time I think of the word 'home,' an image of our old cottage, Sunday dinners, and loud family debates comes to mind.
  • How long should my essay about my family be? Length depends on the requirement; academic essays typically range from 500-1000 words, while personal essays can vary.
  • How do I make my family essay engaging? Incorporate stories, memories, and emotions.
  • Is it okay to discuss family challenges in my essay? Yes, but be sensitive and respectful.
  • Can I add humor to my family essay? Yes, as long as it's in good taste.

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Positive relationships for families: why they’re important

Strong and positive family relationships are  enjoyable for their own sake – it just feels good to be part of a warm and loving family.

But positive family relationships are  important for many other reasons too. They:

  • help children feel secure and loved, which gives them confidence to explore their world, try new things and learn
  • make it easier for your family to solve problems, resolve conflict and respect differences of opinion
  • give children the skills they need to understand and build healthy and strong relationships.

This is why it’s worth maintaining and improving the relationships you share with your children and other family members.

There are plenty of simple things you can do to develop positive family relationships.

Positive family relationships are an important part of  strong families . Strong families grow from love, security, communication, connection – and a few rules and routines too.

Quality time and family relationships

Quality family time is about making the most of the time you spend together as a family. Here are ways you can make quality time happen in your family:

  • Use everyday time together to talk and share a laugh. For example, family meals and car travel can be great times to catch up on the day.
  • Have time together when devices are turned off and out of sight. This helps to keep everyone focused on what you’re doing or talking about at the time.
  • Have one-on-one chats with each family member to strengthen individual relationships. It can just be 5 minutes before each child goes to bed.
  • Set aside time with your partner, if you have one. You could explain to your children that it’s good for your relationship with your partner to have this quality time alone together.
  • Do regular, fun things together as a family. This can be as simple as a family soccer game at the local park on Saturdays or a family board games night each week.
  • Have regular family meals together, and give everyone a role. For example, someone sets the table, someone clears the table, and someone washes up.

Positive communication and family relationships

Positive communication is about listening without judgment and expressing your thoughts and feelings openly and respectfully. It helps everybody feel understood, respected and valued, and this strengthens your relationships.

Try these  positive communication ideas to strengthen your family relationships:

  • When your child or partner wants to talk, try to stop what you’re doing and actively listen . Give people time to express their points of view or feelings.
  • Be open to talking about difficult things – like mistakes – and all kinds of feelings, including anger, joy, frustration, fear and anxiety. But it’s best to wait until you’ve calmed down from strong emotions like anger before you talk about them.
  • Be ready for spontaneous conversations. For example, younger children often like to talk through their feelings when they’re in the bath or as they’re getting into bed.
  • Plan for  difficult conversations, especially with teenagers . For example, sex, drugs, alcohol, academic difficulties and money are topics that families can find difficult to talk about. It helps to think through your feelings and values before these topics come up.
  • Encourage your children with  praise . For example, ‘It’s a big help when you bring the bins in without being asked, Leo. Thanks!’
  • Let everyone in the family know that you love and appreciate them. This can be as simple as saying ‘I love you’ to your children each night when they go to bed.

Positive non-verbal communication Not all communication happens in words, so it’s important to pay attention to the feelings that your children and partner express non-verbally. For example, your teenage child might not want to talk to you but might still come looking for the comfort of cuddles sometimes!

It’s also important to be aware of the non-verbal messages you send. For example, hugs, kisses and eye contact send the message that you want to be close to your child. But a grumpy tone of voice or a frown when you’re doing something together might send the message that you don’t want to be there.

Positive communication can be about respecting someone’s desire not to talk. For example, as children move towards the teenage years, they often want more privacy. But you can  stay connected with your teenage child , both through everyday activities and planned time together.

Teamwork and family relationships

When your family is working as a team, everyone feels supported and able to contribute. It’s easier to work as a team when everyone understands where they stand, so it helps to have clear expectations, limits and boundaries.

You can encourage teamwork in these ways:

  • Share  household chores . Even very young children can enjoy the feeling of belonging that comes from making a contribution.
  • Include children in decisions about things like family activities and holidays. Give everyone – including young children – a chance to have their say before you make the final decision.  Family meetings can be a good way to do this.
  • Let children make some of their own decisions, depending on their abilities and maturity. For example, you might let your 12-year-old child decide whether to walk or cycle home from school.
  • Create  family rules together that state clearly how your family wants to look after and treat its members. For example, ‘In our family we speak respectfully to each other’. Rules like this help everyone get along better and make family life more peaceful.
  • Work together to  solve problems . This involves listening and thinking calmly, considering options, respecting people’s opinions, finding constructive solutions, and working towards compromises.

Appreciation for each other and family relationships

Valuing each other is at the heart of good family relationships. Here are ways you might be able to do this:

  • Take an interest in each other’s lives. For example, make time to go to each other’s sporting events, drama performances, art shows and so on.
  • Include everyone when you’re talking about the day’s events. For example, ‘What was the highlight for you today, Izzy?’
  • Share family stories and memories. These can help children appreciate things that aren’t obvious or that they’ve forgotten – for example, Mum’s sporting achievements when she was younger, or the way they helped care for their sibling as a baby.
  • Acknowledge each other’s differences, talents and abilities, and use each other’s strengths. For example, if you praise and thank your teenage child for listening to a younger sibling reading, your child will begin to see themselves as helpful and caring.
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10 Ways To Encourage Family Bonding and Strengthen Family Bonds

Explore the different ways you can build a foundation that brings your family closer together and strengthens family bonds.

Schedule Family Time

Eat meals together, do chores as a family, create a mission statement, have family meetings, encourage support, schedule downtime, volunteer together.

  • Support Your Child's Interests

Join Other Families

Spending quality time together is one of the greatest gifts families can give one another. Not only does sharing quality time strengthen and build family bonds, but taking the time to connect face-to-face also provides a sense of belonging and security for everyone in the family.

Research has shown that when families have strong family bonds, kids are more likely to score high on well-being scales like self-acceptance, personal growth, life purpose, and positive relationships with others.

Strong family bonds also encourage better behavior in children, improve academic performance, strengthen parent-child communication, and teach your child how to be a good friend. Quality family relationships are a measure of a child's overall well-being, and studies have found a correlation between the time parents spend with children and children's overall happiness .

As a parent, you play a key role in cultivating and protecting these family bonds. But building strong family connections doesn't always happen naturally. In our hectic day-to-day lives, it can take a concerted effort to carve out time for your family. If you want a build foundation for your family in which quality time is a priority, try incorporating some of these 10 essential practices for family bonding into your daily routine.

Erin Drago / Stocksy United

Whether you have school-aged children or teens, it takes planning to make sure you're getting enough quality together time.

Set aside time for each other

Look at everyone’s schedule to see if there are any blocks of time that can be designated family time, In between sports practice, appointments, and other extracurricular activities it might seem tricky, but it's worth the effort. Try to select a regular night, maybe once a week, when the entire family gets together for a fun activity, like a game night—or try eat dinner together every night as a family if your schedules permit. By keeping this night on a regular schedule, everyone will know that they need to keep that night clear for family time.

Plan outings

Another way to incorporate family time into your schedule is to plan regular day trips. If this is something that sounds fun for your family, try to plan the trip at least one month in advance. Post it on the family calendar and make sure that everyone is aware of the plan.

Make new traditions

Use your together time to  create family traditions , like carving pumpkins every Halloween or picking the first strawberries of the summer season together. Some families enjoy attending the same local festival every year or entering a 5K walk or run together.

Choose a few nights during the week when you expect everyone to gather around the dinner table. Don't allow the distraction of phones or other electronics. Just eat a meal (don't worry about cooking something elaborate) and have a conversation together.

Studies have shown that eating meals as a family has positive effects on children's physical and mental well-being. It can also reinforce communication and strengthen family bonds.

Feel free to keep the food itself simple. Dinners like grilled cheese sandwiches, tacos, or even cereal are fine, and are all foods are your kids probably love. If you're unable to get together for dinner as a family because of busy schedules, try doing a family breakfast or lunch on the weekends. The key is to come together and enjoy a meal together free of distractions.

Make cleaning your home or caring for your yard a responsibility the whole family shares. Create a  list of chores  and have everyone sign up. Then set a time during the week or on the weekend when everyone can tackle their chores at the same time. 

If your teens have a demanding schedule and need a little more flexibility, give them a deadline to complete their chores. But remind them that doing chores together makes the job go much faster than doing them alone.

What's more, doing chores together also can foster a sense of teamwork, especially if someone gets done early and is willing to help another family member complete their tasks. To make doing chores more rewarding, plan a small reward for when the work is done, like getting ice cream together, watching a movie , or playing a board game .

When most people think about mission statements, they think of nonprofit organizations and businesses. But these documents work well for families, too. Though it may seem a little too business-like, putting together a family mission statement can help you establish your family's priorities in an official way.

A family mission statement can remind everyone about your family's core values or what you love most about each other. The whole family can collaborate on the document, making it a simple and fun to develop as a family. This is a great project for family night. Your statement doesn't have to be long or complicated. Something like "In our family, we love each other and we help each other" is enough (but if your kids want to brainstorm a longer list, let them).

Once completed, display your mission statement in a prominent place in your home. Read it, refer to it, and talk about it often. It helps solidify what is important to your family. If you feel like your family's priorities are off, creating a mission statement is also a good way to get back on track.

Family meetings are a good time for everyone to check in with each other, air grievances, or discuss future plans. For instance, a family meeting is a good time to talk about an upcoming family vacation. how you to plan to complete chores next weekend, or your child's plans post-graduation.

These meetings can be scheduled events on your family calendar, or you can make them impromptu and allow any member of the family to call a meeting if they feel the need. Family meetings also can be used to set family goals.

You may need to establish some guidelines for the meeting, like setting a time limit for speaking and implementing a no talking rule when someone else has the floor. Emphasize, too, the need to be kind, considerate, and respectful. The goal for these meetings is to solve family issues in a productive way.

Feeling supported by your family is one of the most important elements of building strong family bonds. To create a sense of support, encourage everyone to learn what is important to their family members, whether that's career aspirations or hobbies, and to do their best to support each others' interests.

Everyone in the family should feel empowered to share both good and bas news and receive a loving response. The goal is for everyone in the family to rejoice together when things go well, and commiserate when things don't go as planned. When families feel supported, getting through hard times becomes much easier.

While family time is an important part of everyday life, everyone needs downtime, too. Not only should you encourage your kids to spend some quiet time alone to recharge, but you also need to carve out time for yourself .

Parenting is a huge responsibility that can take a toll on you. So be sure you are taking a little time to rest yourself. It's harder than it seems, but you will be a better parent when you do.

Research has shown the more we give, by volunteering or helping others , the happier and more grateful we feel in our own lives. Volunteering has also been linked to several improved health outcomes, including better physical and mental health, increased life satisfaction, higher self-esteem, and decreased depressive symptoms. And when your family shares these experiences together, it will strengthen your relationship.

What's more, volunteering can expose kids to lots of different people and increase their appreciation for those who are different from them. It also teaches children to be more empathetic and less self-centered.

Support Your Child's Interests

Strong families support their family members' passions. Whether that means attending their soccer games, reading a book series they love, or learning a new skill along with them, supporting your child's interests makes them feel loved and proves that are truly invested in their well-being.

If your child is in sports, band, or another school activity, provide support in some way. You don't have to take on a leadership role if that's not your style. Find a way to show your kids that you support what they are doing and want to cheer them on or assist them with their pursuits, whatever those may be.

If you are unsure of where you can help, ask your kids for their thoughts. Asking demonstrates that you care about the things they are interested in.

No one lives in a bubble. We are all part of a community, so be sure your family is building relationships with other families. Whether this is within your neighborhood, your school system, your place of faith, or some other avenue, it is important that you spend time with other families as well.

Doing things together, with other families, will strengthen your own family bonds and help you see how your family members interact with others—you never know what you might learn from them about how to solidify and strengthen family bonds in totally new-to-you ways.

Remember that children of all ages learn by example. The best way to set a positive example for them is by placing high value on family and family bonding. When you set aside special time for family fun and activities, you are demonstrating not only that you value the family, but that you value your children individually as well.

Parent-Child Shared Time from Middle Childhood to Late Adolescence . Society for Research in Child Development . 2012.

The Effect of the Time Parents Spend with Children on Children's Well-Being . Frontiers in Psycholog y. 2023.

Eating Family Meals Together at Home . JAMA Pediatrics . 2024.

Household Chores for Teens . American Academy of Pediatrics . 2024.

Family Relationships and Well-Being . Innovation in Aging . 2017.

Volunteering and Health Benefits in General Adults . BMC Public Health . 2017.

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How to Build a Good Relationship between Family Members

A good relationship between family members is built on love, trust, and respect. Each family member should feel loved, trusted, and respected by the others. In order to build a good relationship between family members, it is important to spend time together and communicate openly. Family members should also support and encourage one another.

How to Build a Good Relationship between Family Members 11305

What are the 7 Ways to Build Family Relationships?

What are five factors that can help build close relationships within the family.

There are many factors that can help build close relationships within the family. Here are five of them:1. Communication: Good communication is essential for any relationship, and this is especially true for family relationships. When family members are able to openly communicate with each other, it can help to foster a deeper connection and understanding between them.2. Quality Time: Spending quality time together is also important for building close family relationships. This means making time for activities that everyone enjoys, spending time talking and laughing together, and just generally enjoying each other’s company. 3. Shared Interests: Having shared interests can also help to bring family members closer together. Whether it’s a hobby or sport that everyone participates in, or simply watching the same TV show or movie together, shared interests can be a great way to bond with one another.4. Respect: Another key factor in close family relationships is respect. Everyone in the family should feel respected by the others, and this respect should be shown in both words and actions. showing genuine care and concern for one another will also go a long way in fostering strong familial bonds . 5.. Flexibility: Lastly, it’s important to be flexible when it comes tofamily relationships . This means being willing to compromise when necessary , being patient with one another ,and forgiving mistakes . By being flexible , families can weather challenges and disagreements more easily , emerge stronger than ever before . Families play an important role in our lives , providing support , love ,and stability .

What Qualities Build Strong Family Relationships?

Building strong family relationships is vital to a happy and healthy home life. There are many qualities that contribute to strong bonds between family members, but some key ones include communication, trust, respect, and support.Good communication is essential in any relationship, but it’s especially important in families. Family members need to be able to share their thoughts and feelings with each other openly and without judgement. This can help prevent misunderstandings and provide a space for everyone to express themselves.Trust is another important quality in strong family relationships. Family members need to be able to trust each other implicitly. They should feel like they can rely on each other for support, both emotionally and physically. This trust helps foster a sense of security within the family unit. Respect is also crucial in maintaining strong family relationships. Everyone in the family should feel respected by their fellow members. This means listening to each other, valuing each other’s opinions, and treating everyone with kindness and compassion. When everyone feels respected, it creates a more positive atmosphere at home.Finally, support is an important element of strong family relationships. Family members should be there for each other during good times and bad times alike. They should offer emotional support when needed but also practical assistance when necessary – whether that’s helping out with childcare or simply being available to lend a shoulder to cry on.

How to Build a Good Relationship with Your Family Members As a Young Person

Table of Contents

How to Build a Good Relationship between Family Members Essay

Building a good relationship with your family members is one of the most important things you can do in life. Here are some tips to help you get started:1. Spend time together. Make sure to schedule regular familytime, whether it’s going out to eat, taking a trip, or just hanging out at home.2. Communicate openly and honestly. This includes both positive and negative communication – don’t bottle anything up! 3. Be respectful of each other’s opinions and feelings, even if you don’t always agree.4. Show your love and appreciation for each other often. This could be through words, actions, or small gifts/gestures. 5. Seek professional help if needed. If there are deep-rooted issues preventing you from having a healthy relationship with your family members, don’t hesitate to seek out counseling or therapy services.

7 Ways to Build Good Relationship With My Family

It is always a good idea to have a strong and healthy relationship with your family. Here are seven ways that you can build a good relationship with your family:1. Spend time together as often as possible. Whether it is going out to eat, taking a walk, or just sitting and talking, quality time spent together is crucial for maintaining strong family bonds.2. Be open and honest with each other. It is important to communicate openly and honestly with your family members in order to maintain trust and foster understanding. 3. Show appreciation for each other. Take the time to let your family members know how much you appreciate them and what they do for you. A little gratitude goes a long way! 4. Support each other through thick and thin. No matter what life throws your way, it is important to stick together as a family unit and support one another.5. Be respectful of each other’s opinions and beliefs . Even if you don’t agree with everything your family members believe in, it is important to respect their opinions nonetheless . Disagreements are bound to happen from time to time, but respecting each other’s point of view will help keep the peace .6 . Learn from each other . Each member of your family has something unique to offer , so take the opportunity to learn from one another ! You might be surprised at what you have in common .

What Makes a Good Family Relationship

A good family relationship is built on love, communication, and mutual respect. Love is the foundation that binds a family together and gives them the strength to weather any storm. Communication is key to maintaining a strong family relationship. It allows members of the family to share their thoughts and feelings with one another, which can help prevent misunderstandings. Lastly, mutual respect is essential to keeping a family relationship healthy. When everyone in the family respects one another’s opinions and boundaries, it creates an atmosphere of trust and cooperation.

10 Importance of Having Good Family Relationship

1. Good family relationships provide love and support. In a healthy family, each member feels safe to express their emotions and be themselves without fear of judgement or rejection. This environment of mutual respect and acceptance creates a strong foundation for each individual to grow and develop into their own unique person. 2. Good family relationships promote communication and cooperation. Families that communicate openly with one another are more likely to resolve conflicts peacefully and work together towards common goals. This cooperative spirit can extend beyond the immediate family unit to include extended family members, friends, and even strangers in the community. 3. Good family relationships foster empathy and compassion. Children who grow up in families where they feel loved and valued are more likely to develop into adults who are able to empathize with others and show compassion for their suffering. This is an important quality in our increasingly interconnected world where we must often interact with people from different backgrounds and cultures. 4. Good family relationships encourage personal growth . A loving family provides a supportive environment where individuals feel free to explore their interests, talents, and abilities without fear of failure or criticism . This allows each person to reach their full potential both personally and professionally . 5 . Good family relationships model positive behavior . Parents who have a healthy relationship with their children can serve as role models for appropriate behavior . Seeing firsthand how adults treat one another with respect , patience , kindness ,and forgiveness helps children learn how they should behave in their own relationships .6. Good family relationships provide stability during difficult times . All families experience periods of stress at some point, whether it’s due to financial problems , illness , divorce ,or other life changes . Having a close-knit network of relatives can help everyone weather these challenges by providing emotional support as well as practical assistance such as childcare or transportation .

It is important to have good relationships with family members. There are a few things that can help build strong relationships within a family. First, it is important to be there for one another. Family members should be able to rely on each other when needed. Second, communication is key. If something is bothering someone, it is important to talk about it so that the problem can be resolved. Lastly, it is important to show love and appreciation for one another. Everyone in the family should feel loved and valued. By following these tips, families can build strong relationships with one another.

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Building Strong Family Relationships

Our society thrives on strong families.

Our family teaches us how to function in the world. It should provide love and warmth to all of its members. A strong family gives its members the support they need to make it through life’s toughest spots.

Strong families have good communication.

Strong families have open lines of communication -- where all family members feel heard and respected. One of the best ways to strengthen your family is to increase your listening skills and those of other family members. Until we can hear each other, we cannot build strong relationships.

To build strong family relationships, listen actively to each other.

  • Give the person your full attention, turn off the TV or put down what you are doing.
  • Focus on what the person is telling you -- rather than thinking about your reaction or response to what is being said. (There will be time for that.)
  • Listen for how the other person is feeling and relay back what you think they were saying and how they are feeling. ―I hear you saying that you don’t like your sister. You look pretty mad. Did something happen?
  • Resist giving advice or your reaction until you are certain you have fully understood what the person was saying to you

Use “I” messages rather than “You” messages when talking.

  • "I don’t like all this fighting. It upsets me to see the two of you not getting along." Rather than ― "What’s wrong with the two of you? You’ are making me crazy! Can’t you ever get along?"
  • "You" messages should be discouraged because they often lead to bad feelings and increased fighting. ― "You" messages seldom resolve the problem.

Encourage all family members to share their thoughts and feelings.

Strong families allow all family members -- no matter how young or small -- to talk about their thoughts and feelings. This does not mean that members are not respectful of one another, but rather that feelings and ideas are respected.

Everyone should be expected to express themselves in appropriate ways -- such as with  ― "I" messages. When people feel heard and respected, they feel better about themselves, are more open to solving problems, and are more likely to allow others to express themselves.

Strong families spend time together.

In today’s busy world it can be difficult for families to find time to be together. All relationships need attention -- and this includes the family as a whole.

Family rituals can offer a set time for families to get together and give each other the attention needed. A family ritual is simply a time that is set aside on a regular basis for a family to get together. This can mean having dinner together, celebrating a holiday together, going to church together, or going for a walk together. It is important that the family ritual be predictable and that other activities are not allowed to upset it.

Family rituals help define who we are as a family. It allows time for the family to get together, to share experiences with one another, and to reconnect with each other. Knowing that the family will have time together can help us deal with those times when we are apart. Even though parents may work, children can know that each evening, each weekend (or whenever works for your family) they will have some ― "special time" with you.

Every child is special and every child needs some special time when he can have his parent all to himself.

Giving your child some "special time" helps develop a close relationship with your child. If you can make it a predictable ritual, your child can depend on it — and look forward to this time with you. Be sure that this " special time" is not easily  interrupted by other activities. For example, don’t answer the phone during this time.

Allow your child to help you decide how to spend this time. You could read books, sing songs, go for a walk, play a game -- or whatever your child enjoys. The more you are able to spend ―special time‖ with your child the stronger your  relationship will be.

Look for opportunities to connect with your child.

Although setting aside time with your child is important, also look for small moments that you can use to connect with your child. Researchers say that spending frequent, brief amounts of time (as little as 1-2 minutes) involved in child-preferred activities is one of the most powerful things parents can do. You can make up stories together while doing chores, talk about concerns while on the way to the grocery store, read a book together while waiting for dinner to finish. We often think we have to wait for our "special time" but all these small moments help us stay connected in between the more scheduled times.

Strong families handle their conflict fairly.

All families have conflict – it’s a natural part of human relationships. Strong families are able to work through things they disagree about by focusing on the problems, rather than by "tearing each other down."

Keys to Fair Fighting

Stay focused on the behavior or problem. Use "I" messages to express your thoughts and feelings about the problem. For example, if you and your child are arguing about bedtime, you could say "I get angry when you continue to argue with me even after I’ve told you my decision. I want you to go to bed now." instead of "You never listen to me. Go to bed now or I’ll spank you."

Stay focused on the present problem. Do not bring up old issues and problems. These only distract from the present issue. You can discuss them later.

Respect each other’s right to safety. Fights should never become violent. When people are so angry that they feel like hitting one another or throwing things, call for a time out. Agree to get together to talk again after everyone has had a chance to calm down.

Use your problem solving skills to create new solutions to the problem and teach your kids to think of ways to resolve conflict. It is not useful to fight about what isn’t working. Instead, focus on what has worked in the past or what could work now.

For bedtime problems, you could say, "I am tired of always arguing with you about your bedtime. Let’s come up with some new ways that you can get to bed without all this hassle." Then you and your child could think of some solutions and decide which one to try. The more you include your child, the better problem solver he will be -- and the more likely to follow through with the plan.

Strong Families Develop Trust.

Strong, healthy families recognize the importance of developing trust. Trust is the glue that holds relationships together.

Some ways to develop trust in your family are:

  • Give your child opportunities to earn your trust. Let her do small tasks around the house and praise her for doing it on her own.
  • Show your child that you can be trusted. Children need to know that they can count on what their parents say. Follow through with the things you promise to do.
  • Allow people in your family to make amends. We all make mistakes. Teach your child to forgive and allow yourself to forgive others. Holding on to past hurts often only hurts us.
  • Teach everyone how to say “I’m sorry.” Taking responsibility for our good and our bad behaviors is important and helps to develop trust. People learn to trust that they can be loved even though they are not perfect.

Pat Tanner Nelson, Ed.D. Extension Family & Human Development Specialist [email protected] http://bit.ly/DEjitp

Dr. Elizabeth Park, graduate of the Department of Individual and Family Studies, University of Delaware, was a major contributor to this issue.

Suggested Citation: Nelson, P. T. (2012) In Families Matter! A Series for Parents of School-Age Youth. Newark, DE: Cooperative Extension, University of Delaware.

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Home / Essay Samples / Sociology / Family Relationships / Strengthening Family Relationships: Strategies and Insights

Strengthening Family Relationships: Strategies and Insights

  • Category: Sociology , Life
  • Topic: Family Relationships , Relationship

Pages: 2 (738 words)

Views: 1090

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Types of Family Relationships and Its Importance

Building good relationships.

  • Trust: This is the foundation of every good relationship. When you trust your partner, you form a powerful bond that helps you grow and communicate more effectively. If you trust your friends, you can be open and honest in your thoughts and actions without the fear of being snitched. You don’t have to be keep watching your back every time. Why on earth will you be friends with someone you do not feel safe with? That is self-sabotage if you ask me.
  • Mutual Respect: When you respect your friends, you value their principles and personality. You will accept them wholly for who they are without making insulting comments or actions to malign or ridicule them.
  • Mindfulness: This means taking responsibility for your words and actions. Those who are mindful are careful and deliberate with what they say or do so it does not hurt their friends negatively.
  • Welcoming Diversity: People with good relationships not only accept diverse people and opinions, but they welcome them. For instance, when your friend offers a different opinion from yours, you take the time to consider the validity of their views without getting unnecessarily worked up.
  • Open Communication: Communication is the bedrock of every human interaction. We communicate with people every day through the simple exchange of words. The better and more effectively you communicate with those around you, the richer your relationships will be. All good relationships depend on open, honest communication.
  • Tolerance: There is no man or woman on the surface of the earth that is completely perfect. We all have our weakness and imperfections. Your friends do and so do you. Make up your mind to tolerate and forgive their little misbehavior and personality flaws. Learn to ignore some insignificant offences. You do not need to fret over everything.

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