In raising a family, having a strong foundation is really important. Having a strong family foundation ensures that the family itself is strong. It is essential that a good relationship and bond between the parents, and the children, is forged. When a family has a good foundation brought by a positive and healthy relationship with each other, they are likely to succeed and raise well-rounded children.
Here are five tips that can be done to build a strong foundation with the family:
ESTABLISH TIME TO CONNECT
To make sure that the family has a positive and healthy relationship, time should be spent with each other. When family members spend time together, a connection between them is created, and it becomes easier to communicate. Always make sure that when family members need to communicate, everyone is present to hear it out. When a conversation between members is made, make sure that all members involved are actively listening to each other. During casual times, ensure that everyone is engaged in a fun conversation and spending time together. It is beneficial to establish family traditions that create a schedule to be together, which can be turned into habits regularly done by the family members.
KNOW EACH OTHER PROPERLY
In order to effectively function as a family, the members must know each other well. This extends to their strengths and weaknesses. When everyone in the family knows each other’s capabilities, they will be able to set realistic expectations that allow the members to achieve them. When it comes to their shortcomings, the family will also be able to help each other out in making sure that these shortcomings will not catch up to them. It is essential to create goals and adhere to accomplishing them. The family should also be there for each other in cases where these goals are not met and become each other’s pillars of support. Helping each other is important, as this not only initiates self-improvement but also fosters an environment of camaraderie and teamwork.
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
When a good relationship between the parents is established, imparting this wisdom to the children comes naturally. Make sure that the parents are setting a good for the children. The parents should make sure that they are not just saying the things that they are teaching but doing them in practice as well. When the children see that the parents are performing the things they preach, they will understand that the things they say are valid and authentic. It is also essential to establish each other’s boundaries to make sure that they will not be crossed and that everybody is in a place of comfort and safety, When the children set their boundaries, and these are respected by the parents, they will apply this practice outside of their homes as well. Lastly, the parents should always respect each other, not just their partner but their children as well. The children will then follow their example and respect other people outside the walls of their house.
BE CONSISTENT AND FAIR
To maintain a strong family foundation, be consistent when practicing the previous tips. Once consistency is achieved, everything will eventually develop into habits and come naturally to the family members. Make sure that when setting expectations is consistent with what you know regarding the specific family member and that all future expectations will be set to the same standard. This ensures that the member will not be pressured and can take their improvement at their own pace. People can achieve more and suffer less when they are comfortable with their growth pace. After a member reaches one of their goals, celebrate them. The celebration will still go a long way, no matter how little the celebration is. Do not play favorites when celebrating achievements. All members should feel loved and celebrated equally. As much as possible, when doing these celebrations, do them together as a family to make sure that everybody feels included.
CREATE A SAFE SPACE
The most crucial thing in creating and maintaining a strong family foundation is ensuring the family is a safe space for all its members. To properly establish the family as a safe space, proper communication channels should be cultivated by the parents. The children should feel secure and protected by their parents. This relationship also extends between the parents. When the parents see each other as their own safe space, they will be able to apply this to their kids as well.
A brilliant read that highlights the importance of family dynamics in building firm foundations is “Without Consent” by Virginia Degner. It successfully mixes family values and foundations with a little suspense, so check it out and buy a copy at Amazon now!
Featured image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/loving-family-laughing-at-table-having-cozy-meal-3807571/
References used:
[1] https://family.lovetoknow.com/about-family-values/how-do-families-develop-strong-foundations-11-key-ways
[2] https://www.marriage.com/advice/family/ways-to-build-a-strong-healthy-family/
[3] https://www.search-institute.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2002BuildingStrongFamilies-InDepthReport.pdf
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