The Power of Strengthening Family Relationships

During the course of life's journey, family relationships can become strained.  

How are your family relationships? During the course of life's journey, family relationships can become strained.  

Family relationships provide stability, love, support, and have the power to shape how a person experiences the world. Strengthening family relationships is an important part of ensuring a healthy, happy, and productive life. It involves creating an environment of trust, respect, and open communication, as well as cultivating activities that bring family members closer. 

Make it a Priority to Visit Your Family

This last Spring, Linda and I, as part of a "celebration of life" for a high school classmate, made it a priority to see our family.  This included time in Denver for Linda's side of the family then on to Colorado Springs and the San Luis Valley for my side of the family. 

We were able to strengthen family relationships, renew fond memories of "earlier days", spend quality time together. 

"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."

From "Psychology Today" (Author: Elizabeth Dorrance Hall): 10 ideas for investing in family relationships.


Make Strengthening Family Relationships a Priority

- Call family members (once a week or month).

- Send cards or letters. (include photos that remind you both of the good times you spent together.)

- Regularly and sincerely ask how your family member is doing. (Dig below the surface.)

- Keep up with your family members on social media if they have an account. Be aware of what they are up to, (ask about their latest trip or kid’s soccer game next time you talk.)

- Tell your family members you care about them and are there for them if they need you.

- Share a meaningful memory with a family member that you haven’t talked about in a long time. (Go through old pictures to jog your memory and recount the experience from your point of view. Ask what was special about it for them.)

- Drop off groceries for your older family members 

- Read a book or watch a documentary on a topic your family member is interested in. (Share it with them and start a conversation based on their interests.)

- Visit family members you do not live near a couple of times a year if possible and more than just on holidays when a visit is expected.

- Cook a nice meal for a family member who has had an especially tough or busy week.

(Source: Psychology Today" (Author: Elizabeth Dorrance Hall): 10 ideas for investing in family relationships.)


Source: Success.com


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