Building Sound Relationships In Your Home

            If we think about the family as a unit, we can see that it is an ever-growing thing that needs to be capable of evolving and growing as our family does. In the beginning our children aren’t active participants but rather dependent ones. They need our unconditional love, trust, and care. As they grow our relationships need to build upon that initial foundation of trust and love and mature into a secure partnership. Then as we move beyond that stage and age even further the roles reverse, and we begin to depend on the children who once needed us. It’s a beautiful circle of life that happens all around us as time passes on. There are, however, ways to make it gracefully and successfully through each of these stages. So today we wanted to address some of the things you should constantly be doing with your family to strengthen yourself as a unit no matter the age or stage you’re going through.

Check In Frequently

            For us adults, change is slow in coming; but our children seem to literally change from one week to the next. One moment they’re obsessed with paw patrol and then it’s suddenly all about superheroes. Because our kiddos are constantly learning and growing it is essential that we prioritize one on one time with them. It’s important to have that connection, that ever-evolving knowledge of their individual ‘love map’ or what is important and the highlight of their life at any given moment.

Create Shared Memories

            The wonder of childhood is brief but there is so much magic and joy in it. The way our children are learning and interacting with the world is priceless. So, take advantage of those little things. Carve out time to regularly create moments of magic and memories. It doesn’t matter how big or small those moments are, they matter. I remember losing my teeth or having them pulled was exciting, but none as special as the time my mom convinced me to let her tie it to a door and slam it shut. That one was a lost tooth I’ll never forget. I also remember my first date vividly. It was with my dad, so he could teach me how a guy should act on a date. And I’ve measured every single date since then up to our Hastings get to know you trip and Red Lobster dinner.

The Importance of Tradition

            Each family is unique and quirky. This is a good thing! Nurture that togetherness and shared traditions now so its easier to maintain these habits of connectivity as your family grows. So eat dessert before dinner once a month. Be the family that feeds the ducks regularly, walks together after meals, or goes overboard on all the holidays. Be the family who is obsessed with board games, or puzzles, or Star Wars. Send family Christmas cards at a time other than Christmas. The world truly is your oyster and those traditions, those quirky and nerdy little things that make your family yours are the things your children will get to hold onto forever. I remember every Wednesday we used to do B.F.D. or breakfast for dinner. It was the best thing ever. We would hype it up and chant and spend all day excited to share that simple meal together. As we grew up and moved out it eventually stopped, but it’s one of those odd traditions I plan on carrying it on in our own family unit.

Freely Communicate

            We’ve shared how it’s important to connect with the individual members of our family. And that knowledge of them is so important, but we also must allow others to love us. So be a family who is open. Be the kind of family who isn’t afraid to communicate, even when it’s difficult. Be the family who openly shares fondness, gratitude, and admiration with each other regularly, while still also being the family who isn’t afraid of healthily managed conflict. Arguing and disagreeing aren’t innately a sign of weakness. In fact, it is a natural component of all relationships, but there are good, better, and best ways to handle them of course. So be the family who makes communication a priority. Be the family who constantly strives to create an atmosphere where each person feels safe and securely enough to speak honestly Being the kind of family who bottles up emotions and handles them alone is tempting, but it only hurts you all in the long run. So, lead by example and be the kind of family who is open no matter what, for good or for bad. 

    So there you have it! Four steps to a greater, more meaningful, and deeper connections with your loved ones. After all our family is priceless and the best thing we can give and invest in is sharing our time together.

 #RaiseAWarrior