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Families should stay together in tough situations

Published:Saturday | July 11, 2020 | 12:09 AM

THE EDITOR, Madam:

It is a fact that family bonds last a lifetime. Family members are key to enhancing durable subsisting relationships deep-rooted in intimacy and closeness.

In our hectic lives, our family foundations can feel shaken. We may feel like we’re not getting the time needed to invest in the relationships. Perhaps we feel that sibling rivalry is pulling the family apart rather than together. Having a strong family bond ensures that everyone feels secure and has a rock on which the rest of life rests. If families can create traditions that weave in and out of the year, then bonds will be enhanced year-round.

Family meetings are a good time for everyone to check in with each other, air grievances, or discuss future plans. Feeling supported by your family is one of the most important elements of building strong bonds. It is important that family members do their best to support each other.

SUPPORT SYSTEM

Everyone in the family should feel empowered to share their good news as well as share their bad news. When families feel supported, getting through hard times becomes much easier. Before you can change the family dynamic of your household, you must first change yourself. It is important to note that mood has a tremendous impact on those around you. If you feel positive and upbeat, it will boost morale in your home, instantly lifting the mood of your family.

Sibling rivalry is inevitable in most families, but it can have negative long-term consequences if not addressed. If brothers and sisters are always quarrelling and showing disrespect, and even being aggressive towards one another, the home is no longer the sanctuary it should be. Instead, it becomes a house filled with tension and anger. It is important to nurture patterns of lifelong friendships between siblings and set limits as to what will and will not be tolerated.

We must embrace individuality and take steps to engender respect, kindness and justice within the family units. A family will rarely accomplish its goals unless it speaks in one voice. This is why you need to avoid any rebellion from family members at all costs. Money, jealousy, and choice of lover cause family fallouts. When you observe conflict, always be on the side of reconciliation and appoint an arbitrator. Bring the parties together and create a covenant. Listening reduces tension.

Family relationships should not be eroded with time or changes in circumstances that can occur with any person with the passage of time.

HANDSEN CHIKOWORE

London, United Kingdom

hchikowore@hotmail.com