Have you ever wanted to spend time with family, but also feel exhausted at the same time? Or wished you are closer with your family but frequent arguments keep happening?

There are many different values and factors that can affect our own relationship with family such as money, relationships, and communication etc. Before we start, try to let go of past history and find the root of the problem. Together, everyone can then find solutions to the unresolved issues.

Let’s strengthen our family relationships with these tips to create a safe and supportive environment!

Break the Old Habits

First, we can try these three steps to observe the problem and break the vicious cycle in order to establish a healthy relationship with our family.

1. Emotional Awareness

Next time when there is a shift in family dynamics, try to "observe", is it often negative or positive? What are the negative feelings? Are they frustration, lack of trust, or anger?

2. Find the Root of the Problem

As the next step, try to observe the situation from a third party perspective. What are the issues that are causing disagreements and arguments? It can be something as simple as parents’ relentless nagging to more serious emotional abuse and gaslighting.

3. Try Multiple Communication Methods

Communication is key to every relationship. Allow each other space and time to adjust to the new mode of communication so we don’t fall back into the vicious cycle - remember that change starts from within ourselves as well!

Try and consider multiple ways of communication if past attempts and compromises have not been successful. For example, what are our parent’s true feelings and subliminal messages?

At the same time, reflect upon ourselves if our responses can be better so no misunderstanding happens. This will not only establish healthy boundaries but also help us voice out our needs.

Appropriate Personal Space

Rekindling broken family relationships can be hard - everyone is stepping out of their comfort zone to do so. Therefore, appropriate personal space and time can greatly enhance the success of a healthy relationship.

Dealing with conflict at home can be really tough, especially if it's with your parents. But don't worry, there are ways to create your own little oasis in the midst of all the chaos. You could transform your bedroom into a cozy place, with your favorite blankets and decor. Or maybe you could create a mini garden on your balcony, surrounded by your favorite plants and flowers. Whenever you're feeling overwhelmed or just need some personal space, why not find a comfy chair in the study or another quiet spot where you can relax and recharge? Remember, taking time for yourself is important for your mental and emotional wellbeing, and it can also help pave the way for healthy communication with your loved ones in the future.

If opportunity allows, you can even consider living outside! Plan a regular family gathering so everyone can cherish the times together. It doesn't always have to be a home visit: it can be as simple as taking a stroll in the park or even a weekend getaway - the change of environment is beneficial to break old habits.

Do We Really Understand Our Parents?

Arguments often happen because we might not know our parents as well as we think we do. Consider another perspective, do we really understand their background? Through effective understanding and communication, we might develop a sense of empathy toward our own parents.

Step in Each Other’s Shoes

Each of our family member’s roles changes throughout different stages in our lives. When we are young, our parents are our primary caretaker and guardian. When we grow up as adults, we can be their friend, partner, mentor, etc. Share common interests, accept differences, travel together, and learn about what life has to offer all together. Don’t worry about our parent’s expectations of us so that we can have a more stress free relationship with our parents.

Conflict Resolution is Continuous

Sometimes, we might feel frustrated about why our parents don’t understand us. We tend to forget that our parents are normal human beings like us - they need time to adjust. Recurring conflicts need patience and understanding so a balance can be achieved. Take a short break in our personal sanctuary and give our parents more space and time - afterall, to rest is to walk further.

Life is full of experiences that shape us into who we are, and learning from those experiences is a never-ending journey. But when it comes to our parents, finding a healthy balance can be especially important. By building a strong foundation of love and respect, we can create a bond that will last a lifetime. So let's embrace every moment with our parents and strive to create a healthy and loving relationship!

Establishing Healthy Relationships With Our Parents