Positive communication is important when maintaining harmony within your family.
Positive communication is more, than just exchanging words. It’s also about conveying respect, patience, and openness in conversations with your loved ones.
From the words, to the tone of our voices, we choose.
At its core, positive communication serves as a way to understand and support those you want to stay in touch with. With families, understanding and support are critical elements for any strong family unit.
In my opinion, positive communication demands conscious effort.
For instance, it means actively listening and responding with empathy.
Choose something that resonates with you. It can be affirming body language or constructive, encouraging feedback. These small changes can have a big impact on the daily life of your family.
Yes, even when writing words, how you use them can be important for the success of your family communication group.
These skills can be developed with time. So be happy with short-term gains, like a more involved communications group. It may take time to find what is best for your family group.
For some groups as they are starting up, an email the first of every month may be often enough to get things started. Don’t be discouraged if things start slowly at first.
It is a new experience and you are learning to communicate.
Building Connections
In the world of family dynamics, building connections is like laying down the bricks of a house. The stronger the bricks, the more lasting the structure.
Effective communication is your mortar, holding those bricks together to create a foundation that gets your family communication group started off well. It can withstand the test pf time as well as that occasional skirmish that happens unintentionally with families.
Creating a safe space for open dialogue isn’t just going to improve your daily interactions; it’s going to be the bedrock of trust and family closeness.
With your family communications group, it will be the small, consistent efforts that build trust over time.
A simple ‘How was your day?’ or ‘What are you looking forward to tomorrow?’ can open doors to deeper conversations.
This kind of everyday conversation makes the aunt you only see at Christmas more real.
She may have to learn to respond to small questions. So what I am saying here is to give the members of your group some time to learn how to be a part of a group.
Encourage the sharing of thoughts and feelings without judgment, and you’ll be surprised at just how quickly the bonds of family start to strengthen.
And for those of you thinking about the difference in ages for your group, remember that modeling good communication behavior is one of the best tools in your children.
Children learn much from what they see. When you prioritize open communication and show your kids that their voices are valued, you’re teaching them a vital life skill – how to connect with others meaningfully.
Remember, your first attempt at getting your group going doesn’t need to be perfect.
Adjusting your approach as you go down the road allows the unconsidered events or challenges to be ironed out.
Seldom is the challenge so difficult it can’t be worked out. What matters is making the commitment and taking that first step.
Intentional Self-Talk.
Self-talk is that inner dialogue you engage in throughout the day. Whether you’re aware of it or not, it’s happening. ,
This self-talk has a substantial effect on your emotional state and communication style.
Make sure you are using positive talk when you are talking to yourself in your head. That is how you will produce positive talk in your written words in your communications group.
When you work at positive self-talk, you build confidence and empathy, two crucial ingredients for meaningful relationships.
Your family will more often respond in kind, creating a loop of positive interaction.
When I sit down to write our family communication notes for the day, I tell myself that even though I have no real news, they are all anxious to hear from me. And any message I share is as positive as I can make it.
Sometimes all I have to share is that I was thinking of them and wanted them to have a great day.
How would you feel if your Granmom told you every morning that she loved you? Or your Mom?
Sure, I know my group is small, only 7 members, but those 7 are so important to me, and none live close by, so I get a little rush of staying n touch when one responds. When they all do it is super special.
Building Your Self-Talk
Here’s something you might try: every morning, remind yourself of your worth and your ability to encourage strong family connections.
Recognize that you have an active role to play in building these relationships. Choose to focus on what you can contribute to your family dynamic, rather than any perceived shortcomings.
I wish I could have had this circle going when my Mom was still alive. She had some hearing issues and loved letters. She would have loved being in a communications circle with her kids and grandkids.
When the kids go away to college, and it is difficult to check in for them, an email or text communications circle can help as they adjust to being away from home. The same for when the kids leave home to work or pursue their lives.
Often busy schedules will blend to just the right time to have a new note to read, or answer.
Sharing the fun times let those not present feel a part of what is going on with others in the group.
Your inner message to yourself can help you hang in there until the participation grows in the group. If the response is slow, don’t be discouraged.
Try different members of your family. Your cousins or siblings or your parents, communicating with your family is important to not only know what is going on but to avoid loneliness.
Remember the Self-Talk?
This is just a little added benefit that I have enjoyed from working with my self-talk that I wasn;t expecting.
As you change the tone of your inner voice, your external voice synchronizes.
I’ve noticed that my words are kinder, my intentions clearer. And I think more kindly when someone in the group is a bit off in their reply. i am more ready to solve family conflicts,
It is easier to agree to getting together for a family meal on Saturday instead of Sunday when some family member has a conflict. The positive thinking kicks in with a willingness I have not always had.
This isn’t hocus-pocus; it’s the real outcome of reinventing your inner dialogue.
In my opinion, the long-term benefits of cultivating a nurturing inner voice are important.
Improved communication isn’t the only perk—you’ll likely notice a stronger sense of connection and a greater ability to understand the ones you love.
Practice positive self-talk consistently, and watch how your life transforms. You will find yourself creating family connection group that can withstand life’s ups and downs.
I know, that is pretty powerful sounding, but when I see the positive in my life from the intentional positive thinking and self-talk, I think this is true for us.
It can be for you too.
Find Your Key to Lasting Family Connections
I’m going to level with you: the difference between a happy family life and one that’s just okay? Often, it boils down to the quality of communication.
It’s not just a luxury; it’s a fundamental aspect of strong, enduring family ties. That’s because effective communication isn’t just about delivering messages; it’s about building trust, understanding, and a shared sense of purpose.
Are you ready to start working on your group communication group?
The long-term benefits of this enhanced communication are far-reaching.
Trust me, it’s worth the investment of your time and effort.
Over time, families who work on their communication skills experience fewer misunderstandings and conflicts. Plus, they often report a stronger sense of unity and support.
Imagine facing life’s ups and downs with that kind of solid backing.
Sami’s Take on “Positive Communication Is Key For Staying Connected to Family”
An extended member of our family lost their husband of 60 years last month. This put me in mind of the strength our family would have during a time like this, instead of the turmoil and confusion that is facing her family at this time. Those long lasting issues were never worked out, and they had some really big issues.
If I need help, it will be there. Often we don’t ask for help, and this too is a mistake. Having the trust built with your family to go through some of the difficulit times is not something that happens overnight. It happens over time with positive communications and sharing.
Enjoy the changes that come with improved communication.
Remember, you’re creating an atmosphere where each family member feels heard and valued. That’s not just going to impact your family now—it’s shaping the way your children will communicate with their own families in the future.
I hope that you can see the family bonding value in making these changes.
As you do, watch your family transform into a unit defined by compassion, support, and unwavering connections.
That, right there, is the ultimate power of effective communication.
Thank you,
Sami.