5 Tips for Building a Strong Family Support System
When you’re part of a family, you’re supposed to be there for each other. Sadly, real life doesn’t look much like it does on TV. Heartfelt conversations followed by a laugh track with a heavy ‘awwww’ at the perfect moment when people really connect are a creation of Hollywood writers looking to emulate what people wish life would be. It just doesn’t happen this way in real life. Or does it?
Well, the reality might not be sitcom perfect. A strong family support system doesn’t have to be an impossible goal. In fact, it’s a lot simpler than you might imagine. You start with these five tips:
Show Gratitude
This is one of the earliest lessons we teach our kids: Always say “please” and “thank you.” Showing gratitude is a way of saying you notice the effort and appreciate it. Please note: kids who hear this from their parents are more likely to say it themselves.
Put in the Time
Not everyone has a lot of time to spend with their kids. Today, even children have complicated schedules filled with lessons and activities. Add to this a busy work schedule for mom and dad, and it’s hard to make time just to spend with each other. By making sure quality time is spent in connecting and playing, you build closer family bonds, which in turn strengthens the family support system.
Talk to Each Other
Perhaps one of the biggest problems families have is in the area of communication. While everyone, parents, and children both are anxious to talk and make their points known, not much listening goes on. By practicing better listening skills and learning how to respect what the other person says, even when disagreeing, you create a space safe for discussion.
Problem Solving
How are you at creatively finding solutions to the issues which come up in the family? By encouraging the family to work together on these difficulties, you build teamwork and a mutual interest in the things which crop up in family life, which are sometimes difficult to solve.
Teamwork
Your family will help you keep on track even as you help them to reach their own goals. When you celebrate together when things go right, and yes, commiserate when things go wrong, you teach your children you’re in this together. No matter what!
A strong family support system begins with the parents. What you do now will impact the support system your children have today and the support systems they seek for themselves in the future. Help show them the way that you might all succeed together.
The Four C’s of Successful Families
Clarity – is all about knowing your roles, expectations, values, and vision you have for your family
Communication – How you communicate in a clear and convincing manner so everyone in the family is on the same page.
Consistency – Is all about how you make family and personal choices. So much easier when you put into practice the tips we give.
Community – Surrounding yourself with others that share similar values and who are interested in bringing out the best in everyone around them.
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