Guidelines for Effective Family Communication

This week my freebie write is on guidelines for effective communication in families.  There are four main steps to proceed with having clear communication.  The first is maintaining equity which incorporates the social exchange theory.  This involves looking at relationships in families as negatives and positives and weighing costs vs. benefits.  As the book says this may sound cold but it in essence means try to be fair with your family.  The second step is to make daily choices to enhance intimacy with the family.  This could include having a game night or utilizing any other creative ideas to help the family spend time together and bond.  The third step is showing respect and consideration for members of the family.  This is essential when working through problems.  The fourth step is not to sweat the small stuff, meaning don’t let little things that are molehills become mountains.  Accepting one another as is is important and gives us good practice for relationships we will be in later on in life.