29 Jul 2019
Caring and commitment are the basis of strong family relationships. This means making the wellbeing of family members a first priority and offering support when needed.
The following suggestions may be useful reminders:
Tune in
listen to what other family members have to say with interest and enthusiasm,
celebrate birthdays and achievements, and
taking the time to understand how other family members are feeling.
Have fun together
spend time doing things you enjoy, and
relax and play together.
Make time to talk
take time to talk with children after school or before bedtime, and
make time for adults to ‘check in’ with each other.
Appreciate differences
value and respect each family member’s unique needs, wants and talents, and
avoid negative comparisons.
Share the load
share the chores and make sure that everyone gets to have a say in the decisions that affect them.
Get support: family life has many challenges as well as rewards. Getting support when you need it (from extended family, friends, or professionals) is important for managing these challenges. Professional counselling is a particularly valuable strategy for helping many families who experience relationship problems.