Family Communication

Family Programs

Parenting Partnerships, Inc. provides family life education
that strengthens and stabilizes family relationships.

Words have the power to build and energize or to frighten and devastate. When parents notice and appreciate their children's efforts, they help them grow in hope and confidence. It is important that parents be respectful, positive and encouraging with their children. The same is true for healthy relationships between the adults caring for those children.

Every individual is born with equal rights to be treated with dignity and respect. Those rights may be recognized and acknowledged by many, but often get overlooked in efforts to communicate with one another. Family Communication should be based on respect and on skill. It requires that messages preserve self-respect; and that statements of understanding precede statements of advice or instruction.

Skilled communicators understand that what people think affects what they feel, but what they feel affects what they decide to do. So often when communicating people seek to change the way someone else thinks rather than what someone else might be feeling. When communicating with others, here are a few reminders:

• When people are in the midst of strong emotions, they cannot listen to anyone.
• Strong feelings do not vanish by being banished; but they do diminish in intensity and lose their sharp edges when the listener accepts them with sympathy and understanding.
• At times of strong emotion there is nothing as comforting and helpful as a person who listens and understands.
• Feelings must be acknowledged and affirmed before behavior can be improved.

 

Peaceful family communication can make a decided difference in the atmosphere in your home. There is a better way. When there are problems, listen to what the other person may be feeling and then look for solutions together, rather than blame, shame or guilt them into changing their behavior. Make sure the love comes through when you send the message to your family that they are important to you.

Family communication skills are addressed in all of our family life education programs. To find out which program would best fit your needs please contact Parenting Partnerships, Inc.