Introduction
While much has been hypothesized regarding family communication, it is essential to note that it primarily connotes to the exchange of both verbal and non-verbal communication cues among family members, which involves paying attention towards each other’s thoughts and feelings. Communication in family setups is vital since it enables family members to express themselves so that their needs, wants, feelings and thoughts can be understood. It enhances bonding when family members express themselves in an honest and open way. Communication enables family members to overcome their differences and resolve pervasive problems thereby reducing conflicts. This paper seeks to explore ways of how families can enhance effective communication in their households.
Discussion
Evidently, family feuds that result mainly from ineffective family communication have become a norm of the day in the contemporary society; thus resulting increased separations, breakups/divorces, and acts of aggression among family members that lead to acts of suicide, murder and homicide. Arguably, these outcomes lead to moral decadence in society because those involved, especially children get mentally disturbed; hence, resort to different vices such as substance and drug abuse. Nonetheless, this problem can be solved by fostering proper family communication at the household levels).
Notably, fostering of family communication does not occur spontaneously, but calls on family members to create ample time to spend together. This encourages sharing of personal tribulations, failures and successes. Many at times, family members dread sharing their daily experiences, which culminates to individual stress. Family members must create time from their busy schedules and engage with each other freely. Families should talk when they are in the car, they should dine together and also schedule formal and informal meetings for the family members. It is also advisable for parents to spare time and talk to their children at select times like bedtime.
Similarly, communication amongst family members should be done in a direct and clear manner. A major issue in family communication is that children may fear criticizing their parents due to respect and fear of what may transpire. They never open up even though they may not be happy with the way they are being treated at home or in school. They may be suffering in silence. It makes such children seek help elsewhere and thereby subject themselves to being misled or misguided. Such children may also expose their families to risks as they may expose various secrets to strangers that can be used by evil people against their family. Parents must engage with their children in a direct and clear way so as to eradicate any vagueness or ambiguity in their thoughts and advice they offer to their kin. Indirect forms of communication in the family may contribute to lack of intimacy and emotional bonding in the family. This can be a breeding ground for resentment and anger among family members.
Conclusion
