Building Connections with Your Family
There’s something truly magical about maintaining connections with family members, even when miles apart. Let’s spend a moment thinking about how you can use some of these ideas to start building sound relationships through staying in touch.
Yes, I know, the whole idea seems a bit pushy, at first, after all it is something new. Communicating with family when we are use to face to face will take some adjusting to. When I first started the “note from Mom” nearly 20 years ago, it seemed unimportant to share my daily activities. Now if I am not careful, my “note” is a chapter!
Those early e-mails were kind of silly, but I needed to try.
Understanding the Joy
Staying in touch isn’t just about sending a quick text or making a phone call. It’s about sharing the daily lives and connection into what makes up the fabric of your daily life,
From the fun or successes to the disappointments and sad or frightening times, they are all important in our building of our communication ability.
Imagine a life where our messages, calls, or shared moment contribute to a feeling of togetherness. That’s the joy we’re talking about!
What to Expect When You Stay in Touch
You may experience a few warm and fuzzy feelings.
- It’s like receiving a virtual hug when you connect with a family member.
- Imagine the joy of waking up to a good morning text or receiving a funny meme that brightens your day.
- An email from your granddaughter about her new job on the west coast.
- Your daughter sharing something funny from her work day .
- The text from the grandson after he found out that he got his scholarship.
These things are in the moment and happening right now. You can imagine being a part of their day!
You can expect some laughter.
- Prepare for laughter echoing through your phone or computer. Staying in touch often means sharing jokes, funny stories, and the little moments that make us smile.
Yes, sometimes you may be a bit bored with some of the shares, but they are communications, glanced at and you are done, No where does it say we have to love each and every communication, but there will be more better than bad.
- Picture a family video call where everyone is laughing together, creating a virtual space filled with shared joy.
There may be some shared support.
- Life has its ups and downs, and when you stay in touch, you have a support system ready to catch you when you fall. When the encouragement or support comes from someone you stay n touch with, the feelings are real, and help with your personal feelings of self-worth.
- Imagine the relief of sharing your worries and receiving comforting words or advice from a family member who truly cares.
Don’t forget about those wins.
- Success tastes even sweeter when shared with loved ones. Staying in touch means celebrating each other’s victories, no matter how big or small.
- Envision the pride in your family’s virtual cheers as you announce an achievement, creating a shared sense of accomplishment.
I have enjoyed the stockpile of shared memories.
- As you stay connected, watch how shared memories unfolds. Every message, call, or photo becomes a brick in that is a beautiful story of your family’s journey.
- Picture scrolling through a shared digital album filled with moments that tell the story of your family’s laughter, milestones, and adventures.
Yes, there is Face Book. There are also other electronic ways to keep digital records. There is no right or wrong method to use. The idea is to use it! How to stay in touch is an important part of your daily life.
“Liking” a post is better than nothing, but at the family level, a little more communication will build that tie you and your family will benefit from. Consider social media as a supplement to and your actual reach out and keep n touch effort.
Let’s Get Started: Two Ways to Reach Out
With these suggestions for the benefits you can expect when you stay n touch, let’s explore two easy and fun ways you can start building sound relationships through staying in touch.
1. Send a Thoughtful Text:
- Start small but impactful. Send a thoughtful text, “How are you?” This small gesture can brighten someone’s day.
- Showing that you are interested in what is happening is really this easy!
When you stay n touch, you know what your sister is trying to finish up on this week, so a quick check in is appreciated.
And a quick word of encouragement when your Mom is taking longer than she used to getting over a virus.
Your son appreciates a quick acknowledgement of how you appreciate him being successful, in spite of the upbringing he had. Poking fun at yourself is always a light hearted method of complimenting a family member of a job well done.
When I have little to say for the note from Mom, I can always appreciate the parents my kids are. Tell them they may do things differently from me, but their way works, and works well. Just look at what wonderful grandchildren I have!
In my morning note we include the 3 kids, plus 3 of the grandkids who have asked to be included, and my daughter in law. In your family, maybe include you and your mom and a child or two.
After a short while, others will want to be added as they see you early members enjoying the exchanges.
2. Share a Funny Meme or Joke:
- Laughter is a universal language. Share a funny meme or joke that you think your family member will enjoy. It’s a quick and easy way to bring smiles.
- A news item, some community event when shared with a family member who might be interested.
- What is going on in your church community.
Sami’s take on “The Joys Of Staying n Touch”
In the end, staying in touch is about building a way to have a connection that brings joy, support, and shared experiences into our lives. Whether it’s through a simple text, a shared laugh, or a virtual coffee date, every interaction contributes to the the strength of our family bonds.
Start with these small steps, and watch as your family’s connection grows and get stronger.
Here’s to the joy that comes from building sound relationships through the simple act of staying in touch.
- Staying in touch acts as a powerful support tool for emotional well-being. Regular communication provides a support system that nourishes the soul, offering solace during tough times and amplifying the joys of life’s triumphs.
- The shared laughter, the comfort in tough times, and the celebration of victories contribute to the family’s collective resilience. Knowing you have a network of support creates a sense of security and strength in navigating life’s challenges.
- Building sound relationships through staying in touch creates a culture of mutual support. It encourages family members to be there for one another, promoting an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
- Regular communication facilitates a deeper understanding of each other’s lives, experiences, and perspectives. This understanding nurtures empathy, becoming a compassionate and caring family dynamic.
- Staying in touch with family members contributes to personal growth. The exchange of ideas, lessons, and support creates an environment where individuals feel encouraged to pursue their goals and aspirations.
- The joy of staying in touch last longer than the immediate present, it builds lifelong connections that withstand the test of time. These connections form a rich tapestry that weaves through generations, creating a legacy of love and togetherness.
Thank you,
Sami