How Does One Maintain Harmony Within A Family?

Why is it important?

Life is busy, especially for parents and families.

As the days go by our to-do lists become fuller and other priorities seem to take precedence over quality family time.

3 Features of a Strong & Happy Family:

Open lines of communication allows all family members feel heard and respected
Listen actively and focus on what the person is telling you rather than thinking about your reaction or response to what is being said.
Identify positive behaviours to foster an attitude of gratitude, but also build confidence, a sense of self-worth, and promote the messages that “I matter” and make a difference in this world.

Setting Rules and Expectations

Outline expected behaviours for all family members
Focus on specific desired behaviours as opposed to behaviours you do not want, as this quite often perpetuates more negativity.
Set a good example by modelling the desired behaviours
Developing a consistent routine makes things more predictable and offers a feeling of normalcy in our lives
It is important for all family members to contribute to the household, which fosters a sense of identity, belonging, and contributing to something bigger than ourselves.

Conflict Management

All families have conflict – it’s a natural part of human relationships. Strong families are able to work through things they disagree about by focusing on the problems, rather than by "tearing each other down."
Understand that acknowledging and listening are not the same as obeying.

Maintaining harmony in the Family Dynamic during The Pandemic

With Work From Home (WFH) arrangements and home-based learning keeping everyone indoors for longer periods of time, the close proximity can lead to minor disagreements over the smallest of things.
A change in scenery can take the edge off these negative sentiments such as exercising outdoors
Spend some time in solitude as every relationship needs space in order to thrive and grow
If you have more on your plate than you can handle, don’t hesitate to communicate your needs
To prevent minor disagreements from escalating into big arguments, take a moment to clear your heads. You stand a higher chance of working through differences with understanding and empathy when you and your spouse calm and collected.
Try to be mindful of each other’s love languages. When you speak your spouse’s love language, you send a strong signal that you are attempting to engage your spouse on a deeper level, thereby strengthening the marriage.

Work Life Balance and Family

Recognise that there is no such thing as a "perfect" work-life balance
Family dinner is a time to gather around the table and collectively disconnect from the world. This allows you to have dedicated one- on-one time with your children (and loved ones) to learn about their days and is a perfect time to laugh together over some food.
Shutting down from the digital world/ work enables us to live in the moment and recuperate from everyday stresses. It also creates mental space for new ideas and thoughts to develop.

However, family time is something that needs to be made and blocked into your schedules, as busy as they may be. Our family teaches us how to function in the world. A strong family gives its members the support they need to make it through life’s toughest spots and society thrives on such strong families.

How to Spend Time With Your Family?

Family Night - Consider organising a fun family night, perhaps a game night or a picnic to get everyone in the same space having fun together
Exercise - It's a great way to find motivation and spend quality time together while staying healthy.
Cook a meal and eat together -This allows for the family to talk to one another as well as fosters teamwork
Volunteer - Instil a sense of empathy in your children and loved ones by volunteering together as a family at a local organisation than needs your help. This is a very positive way to give back to your community while spending quality family time together.
Turn chores into games - Transforming mundane tasks into something enjoyable can turn a daunting moment into a fun one and create an opportunity for impromptu family time.

As a busy family, it's crucial to find time within your schedule to connect and have a little fun to lighten up even on the busiest of days.

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