Communication Tips For Parents
Communication is the key to a healthy relationship with your child. Here ...
READ MEBuilding Healthy Family Relationships
Building strong family relationships supports your child to cope with challenges and to learn to be independent.
What is family?
There are many different types of families.
- Family is said to be a place we feel that we belong
- Traditionally, families were based on biological or marital connections
- There are many different types of families - with and without biological or marital connections
- Our culture can influence what the word family means to us
- Some cultures have more extensive networks that they call family than others
“Having good and healthy relationships between family members will assist your child to feel safe and secure - a child needs this kind of emotional environment to learn and grow.”
- Jen, Parentline Counsellor
Healthy family relationships have a positive impact on your child
Healthy relationships between family members means your child feels loved, safe, secure and supported as they grow into independent adults.
Supporting healthy family relationships as a parent can mean:
- Being loving, caring and respectful
- Being warm, supportive and positive
- Communicating when disagreements occur
- Spending time doing things together to build strong bonds
Some practical tips for building stronger families
Support your child’s wellbeing and development by trying these tips and strategies at home with your kids:
Regularly spend time together
Use that time to have conversations with your child
Strike a balance between work and family to reduce stress
Set a positive example by being respectful and kind toward others
Try and remain calm in front of your kids during challenging situations
Give clear and consistent boundaries so your child knows what is expected
Learn about child development and what is typical behaviour for your child’s age
Seek an outlet for your frustrations and worries by talking with someone you trust
Look after yourself. It is much harder to support your child when you are tired and run down
Know that as your child gets older they need space to explore and express their independence
Praise your child’s healthy and appropriate behaviour and give specific feedback about what they did well
Find opportunities to involve your child in family life and decision making that is appropriate for their age
“All families face challenges and hurdles as a normal part of life. This doesn’t have to impact on your family relationships negatively – it can be an opportunity to create a stronger bond with them.”
- Sarah, Parentline Counsellor
If your family is having relationship difficulties, you’re not alone
Support is always available for you and your family.
In every family are unique individuals with different needs, personalities, opinions and ways of doing things. With so many different people interacting with one another, it’s common for this to create tension on family relationships, especially when a family is faced with challenges or changes.
If you need some support to get through these challenges and to build stronger family relationships, give us a call on 1300 30 1300 (QLD & NT) and speak to one of our trained counsellors.
Not living in QLD or NT? Check out this list of Parentline counselling services in each state or territory.
This content was last reviewed 17/05/2018
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