5 Ways To Build A Happier Family

There is no better feeling than the whole family being happy and together. Of course, life gets in the way sometimes, and those you are with every day may suffer the wrath of it.

This means you may grind each other’s gears, get annoyed at one another, and get into arguments. If you have children, they can pick up on this and may misbehave. 

So, you want to build a happier, more communal family. Here, we can provide you with five ways in which you can build a happier and harmonious family. 

Quality Family Time

If you’re working a lot, you may be stressed and short on time. This can subconsciously put family time on the back burner.

It’s important to spend time with family, and it can help reaffirm to those how important they are. It may be worth organizing something bi-weekly or weekly to do with your family that is always a priority.

For example, if things get in the way or you have a busy week, this quality time with your family will always be there. This will help you and your family realize the importance of bonding and being there for one another.

Even if it is something like cooking a meal and eating together, going to the movies, or playing a game, everyone will feel included. It also acts as scheduled time together.

Even when running errands and going to the shop, ask your kids to come along to help. This will make them feel valued and will show them they are never an outsider in the family. 

As a subsection, this goes for spending time with your partner too. It is just as important to have time together as well as with the family.

Children learn about relationships through their parents, so it is important to communicate to them about your lives and show them how much you care about each other. 

Say Yes (Within Reason!)

Sometimes it is difficult to let loose, and it may feel like you’re being irresponsible. However, some days it’s important just to say yes! There’s always something amazing about spontaneity, and it’s important for families to have boundaries but have fun together.

A household with a strict structure and too many rules may feel limiting to you and your family. Sometimes it is important not to sweat the small things and show kids that not everything is severe.

Obviously, it’s the priority to have boundaries and a routine, but there’s something joyous about an impromtu trip on the weekend or having dessert before dinner!

As long as you and your family know it’s not a regular occurrence, it always feels special to have fun with those you love.  

Communicate

Communication is one of the most crucial parts of any relationship, whether that is familial or romantic. Communication is vital as it teaches families boundaries, honesty, and empathy.

It may be difficult to understand how your children feel as adults if they aren’t sure how to communicate it.

It’s crucial to display emotions and express thoughts and feelings to ensure your family knows that it is a safe and communicative space for all. It helps children understand that their parents are always listening and assists them in having input within the family.

They are likely to see their value within the family and understand it is okay for them to express their thoughts, emotions, and needs. 

To add, emotional freedom is essential within a family just as much as communication. If children are used to seeing their parents bottle up their emotions about things, they will reenact this behavior.

It’s important to show emotions within the family dynamic to show children and family members that it is okay to be vulnerable and it is okay to come to others for help.

It is also good to communicate more positives than negatives with children and with your partner. This will mean that kids won’t pick up negative and aggressive tendencies so quickly and that you can speak about things from an optimistic viewpoint.

It may also be good to complement and communicate something good that they are doing each day and know their worth. 

Joint Decisions

Joint decision-making may not be something you think of as a tip for a happier family. However, when children aren’t given choices and are told what to do constantly, they don’t have a chance to think, rationalize or form opinions for themselves at times.

This is a big step in teaching children how to be adults, too, as they need to have input in things to get a result.

If they are told what to do to an extreme, children may rebel and do the complete opposite of what you may have intended. Children have to have a chance to think for themselves, make mistakes, and understand the world around them.

Therefore, making joint decisions as a family will ensure each family member has their opinion listened to and reasons aloud with others. It also teaches each other to be more tolerant of others’ thoughts and beliefs even if they disagree, and overall, lets everybody know they are valued.

It may also be fun to make decisions as a party rather than individually or as parents. It can show the children that there is a fun side to adults, and it may also surprise you about your children!

Letting them choose what to eat for dinner or what activities to do on holiday may sound mundane, but it is an excellent display of responsibility. It will teach every member of the family something. 

Interpersonal Relationships

Forming interpersonal relationships within the family is vital to keep a happy family. If you can be together as a group but don’t spend time with each other outside the whole family unit, children may feel underappreciated, and things could even feel forced.

The art of forming personal bonds with each member of your family is that you can have a different relationship with each other.

For example, if you and your son like to go fishing together, but your partner hates it, that is something for your child to look forward to and they will feel appreciated.

It will also teach everyone that it is okay not to enjoy something, and you can all be your authentic selves. Spending time with each other individually is the best way to form closer relationships, enjoy joint activities and learn things about each other.

A family who knows each other inside out and can appreciate the things that may annoy each other is healthy. It makes each person feel valued and helps keep the bonds in the family healthy and strong. 

Final Thoughts

Family life can be tricky! With work commitments, school, house upkeep, and general issues, making time for those you love can sometimes feel complicated.

It can often be not seen as a priority because these are people you see every day. However, it will take a considerable weight away if you have a happy family.

These tips are not tips that are effort, either. It shows everyone in your family that they are appreciated, and everyone has time for each other. 

Liliana
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