Family is the first context of socialization for a young person. Therefore, merely having a biological bond with family members is not enough. But, maintained connections nourish and strengthen the bond. This connection is either enhanced or undermined just by a small secret. The secrets can be benign or insidious. Sharing inside jokes, traditions, and intimate knowledge is all genial.  Whereas sexual abuse, a criminal record, or an extramarital affair can tear a family apart. These insidious activities lead to distrust, conflict, and poor mental and physiological health. 

Having a supportive family unit is vital for human fulfillment. It is essential for one’s emotional growth. Healthy family relationships can provide us with a sense of belonging and undying love that we cannot find anywhere else. As we grow older, our experiences and interactions with people around us impact our social and emotional development. We tend to practice those experiences later in our lives. Therefore, our goal should be to raise a happy and content family. With that said, listed below are a few “secrets” behind healthy family relationships that will keep conflict at bay and help you establish thriving relations with your family members.

Work on healthy communication

Communication is not just about having a conversation. Disagreements are inevitable in any relationship. But there are healthy ways of dealing with them, such as seeking professional help. To avoid family disturbances, families (especially couples) can consult a professional with expertise in family therapy and counseling. Practitioners with a specialization in this field with a Master’s or Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy are an apt choice. These professionals will help you and your family identify communication methods to bring each other closer. These methods will allow you to interact with your family members by using logic against emotions. 

To have healthy communication, try to stick to neutral topics. Try to talk about your daily lives and not just problems. Avoid controversial ideas that you know will lead to a heated debate. In case the conversation is spiraling out, know when to timeout. Carve out time, listen and interact with one another patiently.

Practice appreciation and gratitude with each other 

Do not take your family members for granted. Appreciating one another can bring out the potential and greatness of any relationship. While living together, we should try to embrace each other’s faults and quirks. Make a habit of saying sorry and thank you for small gestures. Celebrate each other’s strengths, and don’t forget to acknowledge them. Help each other overcome weaknesses. By appreciating each other, we connect to our loving selves. Then, we expand and grow. We take more responsibility for the way we are with others and evolve in our relationships. We should not hide parts of ourselves. Instead, we should share to let the other see how much we can shine.

Spend quality time together

Spending quality time with the family can give you lifelong memories to cherish. Whether it’s a vacation, a movie night, or a weekly family car ride. The key is to designate time for togetherness a few times a week. During that time, relax and try to talk to each other. There will be things that you’ll learn about your family or understand you connect as a family. In addition, prioritize your mealtime. Whether it’s breakfast or supper, try to prioritize having at least one meal together as a family.

As time passes and children grow, this too becomes challenging. Having dinner once or twice a week is even better than nothing at all. There can be plenty of family bonding if you make the most of your trips and plan some time together as a family. Even if it is just sharing a meal on the way home, ensure you intentionally spend time together.

Do not prioritize money over relationships 

You come across particular situations where you have to choose money or love. Money is necessary and has great use. But love gives you power and courage. Having sufficient cash to feel secure and live a comfortable way of life can unquestionably contribute to your overall sense of well-being. But, it is nowhere near to having precious bonds with the people you love the most. However, both things go hand in hand. Your quality of life degrades if you don’t pay enough attention to money. But, focusing too much on money results in losing out on time to build strong connections with your family. Hence, it affects your relationships. A research study proved, too much emphasis on money and materialism can lead to anxiety and depression. You are more likely to make poor financial choices, such as purchasing luxury items on credit. Of course, money can make your life easier and extravagant. But not sufficient for it to rate over fulfilling family life.

Entitle your children to have a voice

We have often heard our elders overuse the expression, “It’s my way or the highway.” Empowering your children to have a voice and be assertive is a crucial life skill. Parents are in charge and discipline kids accordingly. But kids should have some say in important family decisions. Listen to your child’s concerns, permit your child to provide input, and be willing to confess when you’re wrong. Spare some time to have thoughtful discussions with your children. For instance, ask them what matters to their family and what they think. Take their suggestions on how they can work for the betterment of the family. If you notice that your child is going through a situation, share your past experiences with your kid. This way, they will have opinions and are more likely to participate in family discussions. Relationships allow children to understand who they are and learn to empathize. When they see people around helping and understanding, they approach the world with enthusiasm and openness. They grow up to be responsive and caring people. Hence, forming healthy family relationships. 

Conclusion

You cannot control the sort of relationship that you have with your family. But you can always make an effort to create harmony. Strive towards strengthening and refining your family relationships. Be honest, empathetic, and open. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries when required. Families can practice the secrets mentioned above to create healthy relationships.