Communication is not the mere verbal exchange of information in the
families. It is the expression of respect, affection and concern.
Communication doesn't refers to the verbal alone in the family, but
physical expressions, gestures and even an affectionate look can be
communicative in the family.
It is through the communication the members of the family express
their requirements, love, desires, advises etc., to each other person
in the family. Family communication is very much different from that
with formal communication. Experts say that there are four styles of
family communication. Clear and direct communication, clear and
indirect communication, masked and direct communication and masked and
indirect communication.
Each of these styles has benefits and disadvantages; thus, it is the
communicator who has to decide which style to be used according the
situations. Whatever are the styles of communication and modes of it,
people agree in a point that communication is the essential instrument
or bonding factor in the family life.
There are many practical tips to make the communication between the family members more effective. Let us see some of them.
The focus is preference, not principles
Family is the place where no strict or inflexible rules are
applicable and principles always remain subordinates to preferences.
Focusing on the preferences simply means to give more importance to the
personal likes and methods than rules and regulations. For example, you
can't just implement a rule that everyone should be silent after 10 at
night. It may be the only convenient time for one of the family members
to communicate with others.
Be flexible in communication. It is not what others follow that is
to be considered the standard in your communication in the family.
There are no right time, right way and right place for communication in
the family. Implicating principles for communication will make the
process completely official and people may feel it mechanical, rather
affectionate.
Be positive
Negative and sarcastic communication will destroy the warmth of
family talking. Do not over criticize or approach everything in
negative way. Certain people cling to sarcasm when they talk to others,
especially with family members. This will destroy the mood of talks and
others may withdraw themselves deliberately from the family
communications.
You can be corrective but even then try to be positive maximum
possible. Positive communication is much influencing and effective than
criticisms. Creative criticism is helpful in family but always define
limits to criticism. Let the communication be appreciating,
encouraging, supporting and soothing.
Exaggeration is unaccepted
Many people tend to exaggerate too much when they express their
emotions or feelings in the family. Exaggeration is used as a mode of
easing the mental tension, but may destroy the family harmony. When you
talk or express the feelings be lavish only to the limit of the
tolerance of others. Frequent exaggerated talks may make others bored
and distrusted in your words and actions.
Let it be more than just verbal
Let the communication in the family be more than just a verbal
expression. Even the presence of other family members can communicate a
lot. The presence of parents conveys the messages of safety, love and
concern to the kids. Similarly, the presence of spouse communicates the
feeling of warmth. Use gestures of affection lavishly in the
communication. Even when you scold or correct a child or spouse, hold
them and talk to them in the most pleasing manner may help the messages
to be accepted in the desired manner. A kiss, a hug, an appreciation, a
thumps up gesture, everything can tell more than words can do.
Be clear, be gentle and be precise
Being clear, gentle and precise is the rule applicable to any
communication; so is to family communication. Do not leave blanks for
others to assume or interpret in family communication. If you want to
say something to the children or spouse, make your point clear in the
most pleasing way. Do not beat around the bush and make others unknown
of the messages you intended to pass. Being calm and gentle when you
communicate is helpful to invite the attention and action of others.
Angry expressions or thoughtless words may be taken lightly, also may
not yield the expected reaction.
Be frequent in communication
Communication should not be like a timetabled ritual at home. Find
opportunity to talk to other members at home every day and every time.
Frequent and casual communication not only helps you to express your
feelings exactly, but also encourages others to talk. Mutual
communication helps people to grow in affectionate relationship with
each other