Family Checkup

“Give out what you most want to come back.” ~ Robin Sharma

As a mom, you have the influence to proactively transform your family dynamics. Your instincts and insights are always in-tune with the people you love. If you ever feel that things can be improved, then go for it!

Consider doing an objective analysis of your family as if you were an insider observing from the sidelines. Watch the interactions between brothers and sisters, moms and dads. See where there are areas lacking harmony. These are the areas where you can point yourself and add your loving touch and gentle guidance to create the necessary harmony. A problem not dealt with only festers.

We can’t always get along seamlessly. Every once in a while, siblings will fight, or family members will disappoint each other. Tempers will occasionally flare up and feelings will get hurt. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t create an environment conducive to reinforcing strong, deep connections. Often, a simple discussion about those feelings can iron out the wrinkled feelings and restore harmony.

Here are six small, loving actions you can take to fortify your ties with the people you love most:

1. Visual reminders of the connection you share communicate that the family is cherished. Hang or update family photos. Hand-letter signs that say things like, “brothers”, or, “The Smith Family”. Ask the kids to help you with this task to gain their buy in. Talk with them while you’re doing the project about how important it is to appreciate close family ties..

2. Take the time to text your children and husband. Just a small note like “I’m thinking about you” with a smiley emoticon adds love to their day. Connecting throughout the day will strengthen your bonds. Change out your routine so that it doesn’t become routine to them.

3. Create a welcoming atmosphere in your home by playing peaceful music. Ask the children to help you select it, and once in a while, put something peppy on and do silly dances in the living room. Laughter is a great bonding tool.

4. Encourage and communicate pride by conspicuously showcasing your family’s achievements – trophies, artwork, and medals. When guests arrive, talk to them in front of your children about your pride regarding their accomplishments, whether your kids are present or not. If they “overhear” you when they’re not in the room, so much the better.

5. Gush about your kids in their presence. Give them a boost of self-esteem and love by talking positively about them within earshot. It’s just as effective as the tip above and goes a long way to bolstering their sense of self.

6. Scrapbooking, digital photo albums, and family videos can provide decades of bonding. Memories are precious. Keep them easy accessible. Let the kids make up sayings they’d like to see close to the picture.

Your family’s connection is one of the most grand inheritances you can create for your children in your family, and your dedication to fostering their relationship to one another depends on your parental commitment to consistent love acts. Maintaining the message that each person is important will mold them for when they are fostering their own family culture. Create an atmosphere of belonging, and you can easily achieve the togetherness you desire.

“A home with a loving and loyal husband and wife is the supreme setting in which children can be reared in love and righteousness and in which the spiritual and physical needs of children can be met.” ~ David A. Bednar