Yes, it may require some effort. Keeping in touch is important to familes. And, yes, there comes a time you need to cut the losses, and move on when someone doesn’t respond. How do you know when the person contacted really doesn’t want to stay n touch?
Or if they just have been on their own so long, they are uncomfortable with the idea of being n touch?
But you need to remember some of the ways you and your family will benefit from a strong family generational relationship. Is there a possibility that the unresponsive person will contribute to the family, or will they always hang back, and participate in name only?
1. Social support, well-being, with reduced stress levels
2. Improved mental health, enhanced cognitive function and longivity
3. A sense of identity and legacy, espedially in young people
These are just a few of the benifits we can expect from staying n ttouch with our family.
Why Courts Award Custiody to Grandparents
When considering the placement of children grandparents are often the choice of the courts.
Studies show that the support of family memebers with children can help the child cope with the changes in their lives from disruppted familes.
And studies have shown that social support from family members, is associated with better physical and mental health outcomes as individuals age.
Both generations benefit from each other in a good way, when stressful times come around.
So if the reluctant member who is not responding to your efforts to stay in touch is older, please keep in mind the ways older memebers can strenthen your family communication group. Older family members can help the ties that bind and allow all members to feel a part of a group.
Reconnecting with family members can provide this sense of belonging and emotional support, which in turn can lead to decreased feelings of loneliness and increased overall well-being.
Maintaining positive relationships with family members has been linked to lower stress levels in all generational members.
Spending time with loved ones and engaging in meaningful conversations can have a calming effect on the body and mind. This can often reduce the risk of stress-related health issues such as cardiovascular problems and weakened immune function.
Better Cognitive Function for Senior Members of your Family
Engaging in social activities, including interactions with family members, has been linked to better cognitive function. And a reduced risk of cognitive decline in older adults.
Reesatbellishing family ties can stimulate the brain through meaningful conversations, shared memories, and problem-solving activities, All thses activites have been proven to help maintain cognitive abilities as individuals age.
Then don’t forget longitivity in the list of benefits for the older members of your family.
Research suggests that maintaining close relationships, including relationships with family members, can contribute to increased years of life.
The strong social ties have been associated with a lower risk of mortality, which is probablly due to the various health benefits associated with social support, reduced stress, and improved mental well-being.
There is also the sense of identity and of haveing a legacy. The older members of families who get disconnected, due to various reasons can feel less secure in their older years.
My mom’s younger sister and only sibling, did not have children. She passed away within months of Mom’s death. She was much less active, and less responsive to us her only close relatives. I do realize that we drove her crazy with our rowdy family get togethers, but she seemed to join in less and less. I didn’t realize untill after her death that she seemed less involved,
Could we have made a difference? I don’t know, but I didn’t realize how important some extra attention for her was. However, both my Aunt and Mom were in their mid 90’s when the passed away.
Had we been in some sort of family communication she may have felt less alone. However, we had not really gotten into the generational communications at that point.
Sense of Identity and Legacy Important for Younger Family Members
Reconnecting with family members can help individuals develop a stronger sense of identity and connection to their familial heritage.
Sharing stories, traditions, and experiences with relatives can provide a sense of continuity and belonging across generations, contributing to a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment in life.
Young adults can benefit from the sharing in a family communications group to get a sense of what to expect in the future years of their life. If faced with heartache, usually older members can offer real emotional support and encouragement. The death of a loved one is easier to face when you have some sage words of advice from someone who know and loved your loved one.
Years of raising family, working and living life are easier shared. And sharing with members of the family group gives us the chance to know that we too will make it through the trials of daily life, or the occasional tradgy.
I was young when my first husband died from the injuries from a vehicle accident. My 3 kids were young, and life had dealt us a blow. We all had the support of both families as we were rearranging ourselves, trying to find our spot in the world.
Did this mean we had no problems, no but I knew I could talk thorugh things with my parents or my in-laws and get good advice, and offers of help. Did I avoid mistakes in the next part of our lives, no, even with all their support there were good decisons and bad decisions. There was also steadfast support form the older generation in our families. The brothers and sisters we both had they were still there for us.
Now, as my kids are grown with families of their own, they were there as much as it was possibe to be when their grandparents were getting older, needing attention and encouragement. The family bond is still there.
Build this kind of support for you and your family with generational communication.
Remember, Respect
Respect is important. The family member you’re reaching out to might value their privacy, and it’s important to approach them with sensitivity to their boundaries. Search for ways to reconnect that honor both your needs and theirs.
Setting realistic expectations can save you a lot of emotional energy. Understand that relationships develop differently and what happens post-contact can be unpredictable.
Choose something that resonates with you, whether that’s reestablishing a close bond or simply getting to know them.
Here’s are some suggestions to guide you through the first part of this process:
Accept the unknowns.
Go into this with an open heart and a flexible mind.
Stay patient.
Rebuilding connections takes time.
Prioritize consent. Always respect the other person’s right to engage or not.
Prepare for any outcome. Rejection is a possibility, but so is a wonderful new chapter in your family history.
With a plan, you’re better equipped for the next step: preparing for the initial contact. This phase is about doing your homework, choosing the right words, and leaning into the support that’s available to you.
Sami’s take on “What is the Benefit of Generational Communications”
While specific research studies may provide more detailed insights into the benefits of restoring family ties for health and happiness as people age,
The general consensus among psychologists and sociologists is clear.
Maintaining positive relationships with family members can have profound effects on overall well-being. From reduced stress levels in young and older members, to and improved mental health to enhanced cognitive function and increased longevity.
The benefits of reconnecting with family are numerous and far-reaching.
Are you ready to start your group?
Thank you,
Sami