Communication is not just the verbal exchange of information in families. It is an expression of respect, affection and concern. Communication does not refer to verbal alone in the family, but physical expressions, gestures and even an affectionate look can be communicative in the family. Family members express their needs, love, wishes, advice etc. to each other in the family through communication. Family communication is very different from formal communication. Experts say that there are four styles of family communication. Explicit and direct communication, Explicit and indirect communication, Masked and direct communication and Masked and indirect communication.

Each of these styles has advantages and disadvantages; Thus, it is the communicator who has to decide which style to use as per the circumstances. Whatever be the style of communication and its methods, people agree on a point that communication is the essential means or binding factor in family life.

Several practical tips are given to make communication between family members more effective. Let’s have a look-

Focus is preference, not principle
The family is the place where no strict or inflexible rules apply and principles are always subject to preferences. Focusing on preferences simply means giving more importance to individual preferences and methods than to rules and regulations. For example, you can’t just enforce a rule that everyone should be silent after 10 p.m. This may be the only convenient time for one member of the family to communicate with the others.
Be flexible in communication. It is not that others follow, which is considered the standard in your communication in the family. There is no right time, right way and right place for communication in the family. Applying principles to communication will make the process completely authoritative and people can feel it mechanical, rather affectionate.

be positive
Negative and sarcastic communication will destroy the warmth of family interactions. Don’t over-criticize or look at everything in a negative way. Some people are sarcastic when they talk to others, especially with family members. This will destroy the mood of the conversation and others may intentionally withdraw themselves from family communication.
You can be corrective but still try to be as positive as possible. Positive communication is much more effective and effective than criticisms. Constructive criticism is helpful in the family but always sets limits for criticism. Let communication be appreciative, encouraging, supportive and soothing.

exaggeration is unacceptable
Many people exaggerate when expressing their feelings or emotions in the family. Exaggeration is used as a way to reduce mental stress, but it can destroy family harmony. Be generous to the extent of others’ tolerance when you speak or express feelings. Frequent exaggerated conversations can make others bored and distrustful of your words and actions.

let it be more than just verbal
Let communication in the family be more than just verbal expression. The presence of other family members can also tell a lot. The presence of parents conveys the message of protection, love and concern to the children. Similarly, the presence of the spouse communicates a feeling of warmth. Make full use of gestures of affection in communication. Even when you scold or correct a child or spouse, hold on to them and talk to them in the most pleasant way, it can help to accept the messages in the desired way. A kiss, a hug, a compliment, a thumps up gesture, everything can tell more than words.

Be clear, be gentle and be precise
Being clear, gentle and precise is the rule that applies to any communication; So family is for communication. Do not leave blank space in family communication for others to receive or interpret. If you have something to say to children or a spouse, make your point clear in the most pleasing way possible. Don’t beat around the bush and make others oblivious to the messages you intend to pass on. Being calm and gentle when you communicate is helpful in attracting the attention and actions of others. Angry expressions or thoughtless words may be taken lightly, may not even elicit the expected response.

be in communication often
Communication should not be like a timetable at home. Find opportunities to talk to other members of the household every day and every now and then. Frequent and casual communication not only helps you express your feelings properly, but also encourages others to talk. Interpersonal communication helps people grow into affectionate relationships with each other.

read this also – Click to read the news of your state / city before the newspaper