Improving Family Relations
Family is a basic social unit of a society. There is no right or wrong type/structure of family as long as it regards the family members with love and affection.
Common types of family structures are:
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Nuclear Family- Two parents raising children
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Joint Family- Three or more generations living together
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Extended Family- Uncles, aunts, cousins residing together
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Childless couple- Common in homosexual couples
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Grandparents raising grand children
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Single parent family- In case of divorce, separation or death of a parent
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Step Family- Also called blended family forms when a parent remarries
With ever changing lifestyle and shrinking family size building healthy family relations has become really important. Improving family relations can be challenging and draining. Though we encounter numerous advices and suggestions for improving our relations with family/ in-laws, it is important to note that no relation is perfect.
Even healthy family relations are not conflict-free, no human relation can be. We all make mistakes, may trigger others unknowingly and land up into arguments. However, the way you can ease a tough phase is by fostering open communication and strengthening the bond between you and other family members.
Creating a ‘Home Sweet Home’ is what we thrive for but family is not built in a day. Building and maintaining positive connections with all family members is not a piece of cake. Family members do experience temper flares, misunderstanding or imperfect moments.
Signs of unhealthy family relation include:
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Acting superior
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Disrespecting
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Name-calling
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Eye-rolling
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Excessive arguments
Why is it vital to improve Family Relations?
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To feel connected and have a sense of belongingness
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To have someone around you to share sorrows
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To experience positive emotions like love
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To be held in pain and tough times
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To develop healthy friendships and relations in life
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For growth, wellness and stability
Common challenges that families encounter
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Medical concerns
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Time
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Financial issues
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Parenting
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Adjustment Problems