The family is a dynamic system and its maintenance requires a constant infusion of effort, time and other resources.
The task of preserving the family lies with all its members, including children and relatives, but the greatest responsibility lies with the partners.
Even if one of the partners stops paying attention to their family responsibilities, this can lead to rapid destruction.
This topic is discussed in more detail by psychologist-psychotherapist, coach Yulia Vatutina.
There are some universal tips that can help save your family.
- Communication. Establish an open and effective system of communication within the family. Listen to each other, express your thoughts, feelings and expectations.
Regular conversations will help solve problems and prevent misunderstandings. The main thing is that participation in the conversation is mutual, that is, it is important not only to be able to correctly convey your feelings, but also to listen to the partner's experiences. - Spending time together. Find ways to spend time together. Ideally, the ways to spend time together will change periodically.
This can include family walks, games, shared dinners, new hobbies, and other options. This will strengthen the family and create an atmosphere of unity. - Support and care. Show your concern both in difficult moments and in joyful ones. It is important to be able to empathize with your loved one and rejoice in his successes equally. It is in such moments that the family is strengthened.
- Establishing family values. Discuss and define your main principles that will serve as the basis for decision-making and interaction in the family. This will give a sense of identity and unity. But it is important not to overdo it: each partner has the right to their own views, which may not coincide with the views of other family members.
- Resolving conflicts with respect. Conflicts in families are inevitable, but it is important to learn to resolve them with respect for each other. Avoid humiliation, insults and violence. Instead, try to show empathy and seek compromises.
- Showing love and appreciation. Don't forget to express your love and appreciation to your family members through words of encouragement, touches, and other small (and not so small) gestures.
- Common goals and plans. Determine what goal can unite the family. For example, to improve housing conditions, go on a long trip, etc.
Working together to achieve these goals will help strengthen the family. As with principles, it is also important to give freedom of choice to all family members.
It is important to remember that each family is unique and requires an individual approach. But constant interaction, patience and love will help to preserve and strengthen almost any family.
If serious, unsolvable problems arise, it makes sense to seek help from a family psychologist.
Preserving the Family: What Psychologist's Research Says
Family stability is the subject of research by many psychologists. Here are just a few of them.
Thus, in the American study “The Foundations of Happy and Stable Family Relationships” it was found that families that have a high level of positive communication and are able to effectively resolve conflicts are in happier and more stable relationships.
“Positive communication” consists of respect for each other, the ability to listen and constructively express your dissatisfaction.
In another study, "Keys to Successful Marriages and Families," psychologists identified several factors that contribute to the maintenance of family relationships.
One of the main factors is the couple's ability to adapt to change. In addition, the desire for joint growth and development is important. This includes the willingness to make decisions together, establish communication, demonstrate flexibility, and support joint goals.
The study also highlights the importance of understanding and accepting each other, with their strengths and weaknesses.
Both of these studies confirm the importance of communication, emotional support and high adaptability in maintaining and strengthening the family.
They emphasize the need for constant interaction, understanding and working together on relationships within the family.
And this requires constantly talking about various problems and respecting each other.
