I would like to help you see why a family communication plan isn’t just a formality.
it’s a way to get stronger connections. Imagine a family that can tackle any issue, from the mundane to the monumental, with understanding and respect.
That’s the power of having a plan in place.
Benefits of a plan:
- All family members know where to go for information
- Sharing information is also done in the same place
- Everyone has access to the information
- Simple to check in and share changes in plans or schedule
According to research done by the University of Delaware, at the core of every thriving family unit is communication. But it’s not uncommon for messages to get lost in the daily hustle. Or for conflicts to arise from misinterpretations.
This is where a well-thought-out communication plan comes in handy. It creates a common language and a set of expectations that every family member can understand and rely upon.
We have found a direct benefit of having a communication strategy is the ability to exchange notes, messages, and information.
Yes, Use Texting Group Members to Check Their Email!
Yes, we are even guilty of texting a notice to our family group and asking them to check emails!
When we have had a last-minute change in something, or an emergency to share.
This is particularly important in times of crisis, but it’s also important for everyday life to ensure everyone is heard and feels valued.
We have developed the habit of daily communication, at least among my 3 children and myself.
Usually, the two daughters and I communicate several times a day. Some days nothing beyond the morning email I send every morning. The grandkids, join in mostly when big important events are in the works, or when they have some downtime.
We all have the daily lives we lead and the jobs we have and sometimes my son will get in on the exchanges. Sometimes he is not so interested in what we have going on chat-wise, so we don’t hear from him so often. But he will chime in a time or two each week. Enough that we know he reads the family information we share.
Emails to Family?
This whole idea is to provide transparency for sharing information preventing conflict, and giving everyone in the family a voice.
So, why communicate within the family?
It’s not just about sharing information; it’s also about sharing feelings, hopes, and concerns.
In my opinion, effective communication within a family setting lays the groundwork for all other activities to succeed.
Whether you’re coordinating schedules, sharing good news, or working through disagreements, a communication plan helps keep these interactions productive and positive.
Now, how do you establish these positive communication practices? Keeping the family group in a positive mode for communication will require a bit of thought.
So do you need to design your own family’s communication blueprint?
For us we just try to remember that we are all adults and if there is something we disagree with, a simple “I don’t feel that way” is enough to excuse us from being involved in a group decision we don’t want in.
For instance – Upon hearing about a death in the family of a family member, one daughter wanted to immediately ask all members to send a check for $500 to the surviving spouse to help with expenses.
I knew that was more than some could afford, and I for one felt that amount too much. We could not send the thousands of dollars necessary to get this family back on their feet and I knew that the money would probably be spent in ways that I question the need for.
So I simply stated that I didn’t agree with the daughter and explained why. If she wanted to go ahead and send that amount, that was good, but I would not be. So we don’t do everything as a group even after communicating over 10 years in our family group.
We respect each other’s choices and remain individuals while staying n touch with our family.
Suggestions for Your Family’s Communication Guidelines
Now, let’s talk about putting together an effective communication plan that suits the unique character of your family.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. it’s about tailoring a plan that works for your family members. Timing can be everything. Figuring out ‘when to communicate’ is an important step to ensuring your messages are heard and family members are receptive.
We have worked out this part of the issue of when to communicate by using email.
It might seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked. Open lines of communication encourage emotional connections, make us have more empathy, and reinforce that all-important feeling of belonging.
I as the one who started the group, take the lead and write in the mornings. However, if retirement schedules find me sleeping later, or getting an errand done first thing in the morning, one of the girls is good to take the lead.
At least this has something new in there for anyone who checks in. There is something to respond to.
Next up is ‘how to communicate.’ This isn’t just about picking up the phone or sending a text.
It’s also about the tone you use and the emotions you convey.
Being able to share more than just words makes the tools your family uses to communicate important. My family’s younger members are very good and fast with texting. Yours probably are too.
However, texting requires a skill many group members won’t yet have.
Yes, a 3-word answer is better than none. But you will feel closer to family members if you use a communication form that lets more personality come through.
Being able to read the messages and send replies on your own schedule will give you a minute to actually build a connection.
Email Communication Can Work for You
When it comes to ‘where to communicate’ when using emails, it doesn’t matter. You can read and reply when your schedule permits.
When trying to set up a family face-to-face meeting, where is more important. And meeting for a shared meal has its benefits.
For us, we are too scattered. Meeting face-to-face is a time I want to enjoy, not try to remember all the news I want to share with that person.
It’s one thing to set up a communication plan, but it’s another to refine it to perfection.
Your family’s needs will change.
This means that your communication strategies should change too.
This is where I would like to move into our next section. Now that we’ve established the framework of ‘Why, when, how, and where’ to communicate, let’s talk about diving into conversation.
After all, a plan without action remains just a plan. I’ll share a list of topics and themes that are meant to help get your family discussions going.
I use prompts along as I run out of something to chat about. Is this cheating? I don’t know, but I also know that writing is sometimes more difficult than you would think.
Kicking Off Conversations
Choose something that resonates with you when it comes to starting conversations within your family.
Not sure where to start?
Connecting around the dinner table isn’t the only time for quality interaction. Remember, you can always adjust your approach down the road. But to begin with, consider these fun and meaningful topics:
Share the ‘highs and lows’ of your day, not just to create conversation, but to practice empathy and support within the family unit. Example: “I had a great week at work, but am so tired because we also had a washing machine malfunction and now I have to do laundry all weekend to catch up.”
This lets your family know about some of the highs and lows of your week. You are grateful for the good week, but now have leftover laundry to work into the weekend chores.
Discuss upcoming family events or important dates, which helps keep everyone informed and can spark excitement for future gatherings.
In my opinion, talking about personal achievements or challenges can bolster family ties and encourage collective problem-solving and celebration. Example: “My first week of full retirement was so nice and relaxing, just like I knew it would be. However, I found myself going to the kitchen more often and grabbing snacks.”
“What do you do to stay out of the kitchen?”
Don’t worry too much about initiating deep or philosophical conversations right away.
A chat about a new movie, book, or a trending topic can be just as engaging and can provide insight into each other’s interests and thoughts.
A lot is happening very quickly in our world today. Keeping abreast of current events and discussing them openly can help the family come together to better understand and navigate change.
Sami’s Take on “Benefit of A Plan For Your Communications Group”
Just don’t focus too much on perfection.
Perfection is usually not that great anyhow. You want the little miscues that go with being human in your communications groups.
You are allowed to change as you go. The goal is to create a space where everyone feels comfortable and eager to contribute.
Please use these suggestions and get started on your family communications group, even if you have a small group. If you don’t have a family you can communicate with, maybe a group of friends you don’t get to see often.
The buddies from the service. Your graduating class members you were close to. Having a group of like-minded souls to exchange thoughts and ideas with is such a blessing. Feeling connected to others enriches your overall life.
Remember, the beauty of a family communication plan lies in its adaptability to your family’s unique rhythm and needs.
So today, I’m going to encourage you to pick up the gauntlet—get talking, get planning, and watch how your family grows stronger together.
Thanks for reading,
Sami