Let’s start this guide for does and don’ts for better family communications with some basics.
Dont’s- Politics. Religion, and Finances
Usually, these subjects are relatively safe:
Do’s- Life updates and Personal achievements.
It is not a secret that often communicating with family members can be difficult. So it is better to limit the subjects as you are getting your communications group going.
Avoid discussing politics, religion, and finances. Instead, talk about what is happening in your life or your personal achievements.
How to Avoid the Don’ts
With this being an election year, politics is everywhere.
However, if you are choosing this year to start your family communication group, leave politics alone. Other subjects are less volatile and will serve you better as you are learning to communicate with your family in a group and writing.
Communicating with your family is new to you, as is communicating with family in writing.
So give yourself a better chance of survival and success by avoiding politics.
It would be acceptable to start the first communication when you are inviting your family to the group to mention the 2 don’t subjects.
Just a casual ‘and to give us a better chance to get this group going, I am requesting that we do not talk about politics, religion, or finances until we are better at communication.’
Generational Divides Can Cause Issues
With a family communication group, there can be generational issues. And it can cause some strong reactions at first.
Believe it or not, the words and expressions you’re comfortable with might as well be a foreign language to someone a decade older or younger.
Not to mention, technology’s rapid evolution means that each age group has grown up with different communication tools, shaping distinct preferences and styles.
When you dig a bit deeper, and you’ll find that emotions and past experiences often lie at the heart of communication barriers. This isn’t just about the current topic, it’s also about what’s been said, or left unsaid, over the years.
Unresolved issues can turn even a simple conversation into a loaded exchange.
Then, consider the variations in values and beliefs. Each family member may have their own set of ideals. These ideals or standards are shaped by personal experiences or societal influences.
These exchanges may clash or at least significantly color conversations.
That’s why, even with the best of intentions, discussing seemingly benign subjects can sometimes lead to unexpected tensions.
It can quickly become an issue over how the statement was made rather than what the statement was about.
If you have some strategies to wisely address the situation before it becomes an issue, you will not feel so blindsighted.
Keep reading, there will be some suggestions for how to tackle tough topics that often stall family communication efforts.
Tough Topics in Written Family Communications
You’re going to find out that families can sometimes clash when it comes to discussing the big three: politics, religion, and finances. If you have addressed this already in the invitation issued, just ignore the part that can cause problems.
If the subject is ignored, it dies quickly. In our group, a forwarded video with a political slant is ignored. The younger member quickly understands that we don’t do that. We have been fortunate.
Discussions around these topics often get heated because they touch on deeply held beliefs and personal values.
It’s important to recognize that such conversations might need an extra layer of sensitivity, especially when they’re not happening face-to-face.
Suggested Ways to Handle a Situation
To work through controversial or highly personal topics, framing your message is key.
Start by acknowledging the other person’s perspective.
You could write something like, ‘I understand where you’re coming from and why you feel strongly about this issue.’
Always aim to express your views without undermining others’ opinions.
This isn’t just about sharing your opinion; it’s also about valuing the relationship.
For instance, you can say, ‘I see things a bit differently, and here’s why…’ followed by your thoughts.
Lastly, sometimes agreeing to disagree is the healthiest approach.
Writing something as simple as ‘It looks like we have different viewpoints on this, but I respect your stance, and I hope we can find common ground elsewhere’ can maintain our places in the family.’
Now that you have a heads up, keeping your group exchanging fun, and happy events and daily happenings to know what is going on with each member will be easier.
Some Topics Ideal for Family Discussions
When you’re reaching out to family members, it’s smart to stick to neutral ground. This is especially true if you’re looking to encourage positive written interactions.
Here are some suggestions on the kind of topics that can make for safe, enjoyable conversation.
Everyone loves to hear about life updates and personal achievements.
Whether it’s a promotion at work, progress in school, or a new artistic endeavor, sharing these bits of news invites others to celebrate with you.
It’s important to frame these updates with a sense of inclusivity, inviting others to share their successes.
Digging into the family history can bring out tons of conversational material.
Sharing an old photograph or a story about a relative can connect generations with a shared heritage.
Including questions or prompts can also encourage others to contribute their own stories and memories.
Health might be a private matter, but general updates show that you care.
A message asking about a family member’s recovery from a procedure or offering support during a health challenge can be powerful. Always keep respect for privacy and sensitivity in mind when discussing health matters.
Future Plans Are Considered Safe
Another safe bet is discussing plans for future family events.
This might be organizing a family reunion or planning holiday activities. Then there are birthdays.
Conversations around these subjects have the added benefit of building anticipation and giving everyone something to look forward to.
Usually discussing these subjects ensures smooth sailing in most family correspondences.
It’s equally it’s important to remember who you are communicating with.
If you feel inclined to object, please do.
The Importance of Staying Connected as a Family
Keeping the lines of family communication open is important, even when it’s in written form.
It helps maintain relationships, ensures emotional support, and nurtures the familial bond across distances and generations.
An old habit you or your family may have found themselves blindly following is known as the herd mentality. This is just one of the benefits of having a communication group in your family.
When you are in contact with your family group and have built a strong relationship, you are usually stronger in your foundation and not apt to run this way or that with the herd, without knowing why.
You will want reasons for the action you take, not just because someone else took that action.
When you feel valued and respected within a family communications group, you feel strong enough to stand up against the ones who don’t think things through.
Bridging the Generational Divide in Family Communication
By being prepared for the tricky conversational gaps in family communications.m you can keep things smooth.
It’s not just about using simpler words for your grandparents or emojis for your nieces and nephews; it’s about creating a bridge where every family member feels included.
Every generation has its lingo and references.
When you’re writing, choose language and cultural references that span across generations, or take the time to explain them.
Humor is a great tool, but make sure it’s universal and can resonate with everyone.
In my opinion, strategies like:
- Encouraging the sharing of stories from different generations
- Showing genuine interest in the activities of younger family members
- Asking questions about personal experiences,
These kinds of questions can keep the conversation lively and inclusive.
Going the Extra Few Steps
Remember, while bridging the age gap is crucial, the platform you use for communication is equally important.
You can always adapt your approach down the road, but start by choosing a medium that is accessible and comfortable for all family members.
For instance, a family newsletter can work wonders. A newsletter can be printed for those who prefer physical mail and emailed to the tech-savvy crowd.
This is a great idea, but also effort is required. I do think that older non-tech members of the group would love a copy of the conversations.
Just copying and pasting and printing would be the quickest way. My Mom would have loved this.
As you see the generational divide slowly narrowing through your efforts in mindful communication you will also be reaping the benefits of strong ties.
Better Communication
Remember, written communication with family doesn’t have to be perfect.
Start somewhere—send a text, an email, or even a handwritten letter.
What matters is the initiative to reach out and the intention to stay connected. You might be surprised at how even a simple message can make a big difference.
Because your group is acknowledging generational preferences, choosing safe and engaging topics, and navigating difficult subjects with tact your group has a better chance to grow.
The actions are all part of the art of family group communication.
But don’t let the potential challenges scare you off.
How to Avoid the Don’ts
With this being an election year, politics is everywhere.
However, if you are choosing this year to start your family communication group, leave politics alone. Other subjects are less volatile and will serve you better as you are learning to communicate with your family in a group and writing.
Communicating with your family is new to you, as is communicating with family in writing.
So give yourself a better chance of survival and success by avoiding politics.
It would be acceptable to start the first communication when you are inviting your family to the group to mention the 2 don’t subjects.
Just a casual ‘and to give us a better chance to get this group going, I am requesting that we do not talk about politics, religion, or finances until we are better at communication.’
Generational Divides Can Cause Issues
With a family communication group, there can be generational issues. And it can cause some strong reactions at first.
Believe it or not, the words and expressions you’re comfortable with might as well be a foreign language to someone a decade older or younger.
Not to mention, technology’s rapid evolution means that each age group has grown up with different communication tools, shaping distinct preferences and styles.
When you dig a bit deeper, and you’ll find that emotions and past experiences often lie at the heart of communication barriers. This isn’t just about the current topic, it’s also about what’s been said, or left unsaid, over the years.
Unresolved issues can turn even a simple conversation into a loaded exchange.
Then, consider the variations in values and beliefs. Each family member may have their own set of ideals. These ideals or standards are shaped by personal experiences or societal influences.
These exchanges may clash or at least significantly color conversations.
That’s why, even with the best of intentions, discussing seemingly benign subjects can sometimes lead to unexpected tensions.
It can quickly become an issue over how the statement was made rather than what the statement was about.
If you have some strategies to wisely address the situation before it becomes an issue, you will not feel so blindsighted.
Keep reading, there will be some suggestions for how to tackle tough topics that often stall family communication efforts.
Tough Topics in Written Family Communications
You’re going to find out that families can sometimes clash when it comes to discussing the big three: politics, religion, and finances. If you have addressed this already in the invitation issued, just ignore the part that can cause problems.
If the subject is ignored, it dies quickly. In our group, a forwarded video with a political slant is ignored. The younger member quickly understands that we don’t do that. We have been fortunate.
Discussions around these topics often get heated because they touch on deeply held beliefs and personal values.
It’s important to recognize that such conversations might need an extra layer of sensitivity, especially when they’re not happening face-to-face.
Suggested Ways to Handle a Situation
To work through controversial or highly personal topics, framing your message is key.
Start by acknowledging the other person’s perspective.
You could write something like, ‘I understand where you’re coming from and why you feel strongly about this issue.’
Always aim to express your views without undermining others’ opinions.
This isn’t just about sharing your opinion; it’s also about valuing the relationship.
For instance, you can say, ‘I see things a bit differently, and here’s why…’ followed by your thoughts.
Lastly, sometimes agreeing to disagree is the healthiest approach.
Writing something as simple as ‘It looks like we have different viewpoints on this, but I respect your stance, and I hope we can find common ground elsewhere’ can maintain our places in the family.’
Now that you have a heads up, keeping your group exchanging fun, and happy events and daily happenings to know what is going on with each member will be easier.
Some Topics Ideal for Family Discussions
When you’re reaching out to family members, it’s smart to stick to neutral ground. This is especially true if you’re looking to encourage positive written interactions.
Here are some suggestions on the kind of topics that can make for safe, enjoyable conversation.
Everyone loves to hear about life updates and personal achievements.
Whether it’s a promotion at work, progress in school, or a new artistic endeavor, sharing these bits of news invites others to celebrate with you.
It’s important to frame these updates with a sense of inclusivity, inviting others to share their successes.
Digging into the family history can bring out tons of conversational material.
Sharing an old photograph or a story about a relative can connect generations with a shared heritage.
Including questions or prompts can also encourage others to contribute their own stories and memories.
Health might be a private matter, but general updates show that you care.
A message asking about a family member’s recovery from a procedure or offering support during a health challenge can be powerful. Always keep respect for privacy and sensitivity in mind when discussing health matters.
Future Plans Are Considered Safe
Another safe bet is discussing plans for future family events.
This might be organizing a family reunion or planning holiday activities. Then there are birthdays.
Conversations around these subjects have the added benefit of building anticipation and giving everyone something to look forward to.
Usually discussing these subjects ensures smooth sailing in most family correspondences.
It’s equally it’s important to remember who you are communicating with.
If you feel inclined to object, please do.
The Importance of Staying Connected as a Family
Keeping the lines of family communication open is important, even when it’s in written form.
It helps maintain relationships, ensures emotional support, and nurtures the familial bond across distances and generations.
An old habit you or your family may have found themselves blindly following is known as the herd mentality. This is just one of the benefits of having a communication group in your family.
When you are in contact with your family group and have built a strong relationship, you are usually stronger in your foundation and not apt to run this way or that with the herd, without knowing why.
You will want reasons for the action you take, not just because someone else took that action.
When you feel valued and respected within a family communications group, you feel strong enough to stand up against the ones who don’t think things through.
Bridging the Generational Divide in Family Communication
By being prepared for the tricky conversational gaps in family communications.m you can keep things smooth.
It’s not just about using simpler words for your grandparents or emojis for your nieces and nephews; it’s about creating a bridge where every family member feels included.
Every generation has its lingo and references.
When you’re writing, choose language and cultural references that span across generations, or take the time to explain them.
Humor is a great tool, but make sure it’s universal and can resonate with everyone.
In my opinion, strategies like:
- Encouraging the sharing of stories from different generations
- Showing genuine interest in the activities of younger family members
- Asking questions about personal experiences,
These kinds of questions can keep the conversation lively and inclusive.
Going the Extra Few Steps
Remember, while bridging the age gap is crucial, the platform you use for communication is equally important.
You can always adapt your approach down the road, but start by choosing a medium that is accessible and comfortable for all family members.
For instance, a family newsletter can work wonders. A newsletter can be printed for those who prefer physical mail and emailed to the tech-savvy crowd.
This is a great idea, but also effort is required. I do think that older non-tech members of the group would love a copy of the conversations.
Just copying and pasting and printing would be the quickest way. My Mom would have loved this.
As you see the generational divide slowly narrowing through your efforts in mindful communication you will also be reaping the benefits of strong ties.
Sami’s take on “Guide for Do’s & Don’t for Better Communication’
Remember, written communication with family doesn’t have to be perfect.
Start somewhere—send a text, an email, or even a handwritten letter.
What matters is the initiative to reach out and the intention to stay connected. You might be surprised at how even a simple message can make a big difference.
Because your group is acknowledging generational preferences, choosing safe and engaging topics, and navigating difficult subjects with tact your group has a better chance to grow.
The actions are all part of the art of family group communication.
But don’t let the potential challenges scare you off.
I hope that you will enjoy the family communications group as much as I have.
Thank you,
Sami