Strong family relationships aren’t automatically created, they need time and efforts of the members.

A family is understood as an integral homogenous unit of the larger social systems. In India, a family is
the first line of defence for children. It plays an important role in providing stability and support at times
of crisis. The members of the family become a source of nurturance, emotional bonding and
socialisation. Hence having strong relations becomes necessary.
While we know the importance of family relations there may be some differences which are weakening
the family bond. So how can you build strong family relations?

Try these ways to build a stronger bond with your family.

1. Learn to express yourself

The key to any strong relationship is communication. Always share your opinions and feelings with your
family members. It will help you create a better understanding of each other. Discuss the pleasant as
well as the unpleasant. It is necessary to communicate the feelings of hurt, resentment and anger so
that misunderstandings can be avoided. Try resolving issues immediately instead of broadening
conflicts.
Only when you are aware of the expectations can you be on the same page and avoid differences.
Talking about expectations will also help in creating trust and feelings of closeness.

2. Reserve a Talk-it-out Time

Having family time to share your thoughts and feelings is very necessary. The best way to retain the
trust and closeness among each other is by spending time. From the above statistics, you can conclude
that this can create a huge gap between family members. Your efforts to make time for your family will
hold importance to have healthy discussions. A healthy discussion will always help you arrive at mutual
agreement hence, strengthen the family bond.

3. Make room for fun

Spend time having activities for bonding with family members. Celebrate festivals, birthdays or organise
picnics and games. While celebrating the bond you share you would be building a deeper connection
too. Positivity spreads as you would enjoy together. Such fun times or celebrations will result in
becoming the cherishable memories.

4. Respect personal space

Everyone needs some time alone. There is social anxiety about isolation which fails to appreciate the
benefits solitude. But respecting privacy is one of the important things that build solid relationships. It
helps you build trust and give an experience of freedom. Parents need to stop sneaking into teenagers’
rooms when they aren’t around. Alone time with parents can also help children feel special.

5. Share responsibilities

As a family together you all are dependent on each other. Being responsible shows the dependence and
taking account of your actions. Simple things like making your own bed, keeping your things in the right
place can ensure that the burden of chores is divided. You have to share responsibilities like a team.
6. Agree to disagree

Every member of the family is an independent individual. All have distinct personalities which therefore
results in having different opinions. A certain level of disagreement is healthy as it brings up more ideas
and suggestions to discuss. But this disagreement should be positively accepted. There should be an
open minded approach and maintain mutual respect while expressing the disagreement.