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Importance of Family Relationships

Categories: Family Relationships Parent-Child Relationship

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Words: 515 |

Published: Aug 31, 2023

Words: 515 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Emotional support and security, healthy development and identity formation, nurturing communication skills, shared traditions and cultural heritage, crisis support and resilience, socialization and moral development, interpersonal skills and conflict resolution, elderly care and generational exchange, building strong communities and societal cohesion, conclusion: the enduring significance of family bonds.

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How to Strengthen Family Bonds

Bring Your Family Closer and Build a Firm Foundation

Erin Drago / Stocksy United

Schedule Time
Share Meals
Do Chores Together

Create a Mission Statement

Have family meetings, encourage support, schedule downtime, volunteer together.

Support Kids' Interests

Join Other Families

Spending time together is one of the greatest gifts families can give to one another. Not only does sharing quality time strengthen and build family bonds, but it also provides a sense of belonging and security for everyone in the family.

Research has shown that when families enjoy activities together, children not only learn important social skills but also have higher self-esteem . Strong family bonds also encourage better behavior in children, improve academic performance, strengthen parent-child communication, and teach your child how to be a good friend.

As a parent, you play a key role in cultivating and protecting these family bonds. But building strong family connections doesn't always happen naturally. In our hectic day-to-day lives, it can take a concerted effort to carve out time for your family. If you want to make this firm foundation a reality in your family, commit to these 10 essential practices.

Schedule Family Time

Whether you have school-aged children or teens, it takes planning to make sure you're getting enough quality together time.

Set aside time for family . Look at everyone’s schedule to see if there are any blocks of time that can be designated family time. Try to select a regular night, maybe once a week, when the entire family gets together for a fun activity. By keeping this night on a regular schedule, everyone will know that they need to keep that night clear for family time.
Plan outings . Another way to incorporate family time into your schedule is to plan regular day trips. If this is something that sounds fun for your family, try to plan the trip at least one month in advance. Post it on the family calendar and make sure that everyone is aware of the plan.
Make new traditions . Use your together time to create family traditions , like carving pumpkins every Halloween or picking the first strawberries of the summer season together. Some families enjoy attending the same local festival every year or entering a 5K walk or run together.

Eat Meals Together

Choose a few nights during the week when you expect everyone to gather around the dinner table. Don't allow phones or other electronics . Just eat a meal (something easy is fine!) and have a conversation together.

Studies have shown that eating meals together has positive effects on children's physical and mental well-being. It can also reinforce communication and strengthen family bonds.

If you're unable to get together for dinner as a family because of busy schedules, try breakfast . The key is to come together and enjoy a meal free of distractions.

Do Chores As a Family

Make cleaning your home or caring for your yard a responsibility the whole family shares. Create a list of chores and have everyone sign up. Then set up a time during the week or on the weekend when everyone can tackle their chores at the same time.

If your teens have a demanding schedule and need a little more flexibility, give them a deadline to have their chores completed. But remind them that doing chores together makes the job go much faster than doing them alone.

What's more, doing chores together also can foster a sense of teamwork, especially if someone gets done early and is willing to help another family member complete their tasks. To make doing chores more rewarding, plan a small reward for when the work is done like getting ice cream together, watching a movie, or playing a board game.

When most parents think about mission statements, they think of non-profit organizations and businesses. But these documents work well for families, too. Though it may seem a little corny or too business-like, putting together a family mission statement can help you establish your family's priorities.

A family mission statement can remind everyone about your family's core values or what you love most about each other. It is simple and fun to develop as a family, so it's a great project for family night. Your statement doesn't have to be long or complicated. Something like "In our family, we love each other and we help each other" is enough (but if your kids want to brainstorm a long list, let them!).

Once completed, display your mission statement in a prominent place in your home. Read it, refer to it, and talk about it often. It helps solidify what is important to your family.

Family meetings are a good time for everyone to check in with each other, air grievances , or discuss future plans. For instance, a family meeting is a good time to talk about an upcoming day trip, family vacation, or how you to plan to complete chores next weekend.

These meetings can be scheduled events on your family calendar, or you can make them impromptu and allow any member of the family to call a meeting if they feel the need. Family meetings also can be used to set family goals .

Start each of these meetings by reading your family mission statement. If you have a large family, begin by asking if anyone has an issue or an item for the agenda. Write down what everyone wants to talk about and go through them one by one.

You may need to establish some guidelines for the meeting, like setting a time limit for each agenda item and implementing a "no talking" rule when someone else has the floor.

Emphasize, too, the need to be kind, considerate, and respectful. The goal for these meetings is to solve family issues in a productive way.

Feeling supported by your family is one of the most important elements of building strong family bonds. Bonds like these will last your kids a lifetime.

To create a sense of support, encourage everyone to learn what is important to their family members and to do their best to support each other through the good and the bad times. Everyone in the family should feel empowered to share good news as well as bad and receive a loving response.

The goal is for everyone in the family to rejoice together when things go well, and commiserate when things do not go as planned. When families feel supported, getting through hard times becomes much easier.

While family time is an important part of everyday life, everyone also needs downtime, too. Not only should you encourage your kids to spend some quiet time alone to recharge, but you also need to carve out time for yourself.

Parenting is a huge responsibility that can take a toll on you. As a result, never feel bad about taking a break. The U.S. Department of Labor requires companies to give employees breaks throughout the workday. So be sure you are taking a little time to yourself. You will be a better parent when you do.

Research has shown that the more we give, the happier and more grateful we feel in our own lives. What's more, giving your time and energy to make someone else’s life better is always a powerful learning experience. And when your family shares in these learning experiences together, it will strengthen your relationship.

What's more, volunteering can expose kids to lots of different people and increase their appreciation for those who are different from them. It also teaches children to be more empathetic and less self-centered .

Volunteering has also been linked to a number of improved health outcomes, including better physical and mental health, increased life satisfaction, higher self-esteem, and decreased depressive symptoms.

Support Your Child's Interests

Strong families support their family members' passions. Whether that means attending their soccer games, reading a book series they love, or helping them collect figurines from a movie or TV show, it is important to support your child's interests.

If your child is in sports, band, Scouts , or another school activity, provide support in some way. You don't have to take on a leadership role if that's not your style. Find a way to show your kids that you support what they are doing and want to assist them with their pursuits, whatever those may be.

If you are unsure of where you can help, ask your kids for their thoughts. Asking demonstrates that you care about the things they are interested in.

No one lives in a bubble. We are all part of a community, so be sure your family is building relationships with other families. Whether this is within your neighborhood, your school system, your church, or some other avenue, it is important that you spend time with other families as well.

Doing things together, with other families, will strengthen your own family bonds and help you see how your family members interact with others.

A Word From Verywell

Remember that your children and teens learn by example. The best way to set a positive example for them is by placing high value on the family.

When you set aside special time for family fun and activities, you are demonstrating not only that you value the family, but that you value your children individually as well. There is no greater gift that you can give your family—and no better way to strengthen your family bonds—than by making your family a priority.

Lam CB, Mchale SM, Crouter AC. Parent-child shared time from middle childhood to late adolescence: developmental course and adjustment correlates . Child Dev . 2012;83(6):2089-103. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8624.2012.01826.x

Harrison ME, Norris ML, Obeid N, Fu M, Weinstangel H, Sampson M. Systematic review of the effects of family meal frequency on psychosocial outcomes in youth . Can Fam Physician . 2015;61(2):e96-106.

Harbec M-J, Pagani LS. Associations between early family meal environment quality and later well-being in school-age children . J Dev Behav Pediatr . 2018;39(2):136-143. doi:10.1097/DBP.0000000000000520

American Academy of Pediatrics. Household chores for adolescents .

Thomas PA, Liu H, Umberson D. Family relationships and well-being . Innov Aging . 2017;1(3):igx025. doi:10.1093/geroni/igx025

US Department of Labor. Breaks and meal periods .

Yeung JWK, Zhang Z, Kim TY. Volunteering and health benefits in general adults: cumulative effects and forms . BMC Public Health . 2018;18(1):8. doi:10.1186/s12889-017-4561-8

By Denise Witmer Denise Witmer is a freelance writer and mother of three children, who has authored several books and countless articles on parenting teens since 1997.

8 Ways to Strengthen Family Bonds and Improve Family Relationships

Anchor Light Therapy Collective

Work, school, and personal life can quickly get in the way of focusing on special time with loved ones. But really, how often do you spend quality time in the same room with your whole family? How much of that time is spent doing an activity together?

With intention, you can start allowing more space for family bonding. Creating bonding rituals with your family members can help strengthen family relationships, emotional health, and family resiliency. Your family could reap the benefits of enhancing connection through communication and openness.

Understanding the importance of family bonding

As much as we want to prioritize family time and bonding time, more often than not, it falls to the wayside when work, school, and personal problems start to overwhelm us. However, it is easy to forget that the benefits of family bonding can positively impact areas of our lives that are less overt.

Individuals with positive family relationships are likelier to cope with stress and engage in healthier behaviors. Research on adolescents shows that those with positive family dynamics are less likely to engage in risky behaviors, less likely to have a mental health diagnosis, and more likely to have higher levels of self-esteem. Children and teens with a strong family bond have fewer problem behaviors and increased resiliency. Over time, the ability to present high levels of resiliency will prove helpful when facing challenges in school and work down the line.

In more way than one, bonding serves as a protective factor for children and teenagers.

When family members make space for family bonding, there is an increased sense of self and understanding of one’s identity. Positively interacting with family allows children and teens to understand their place in the world and how they relate to others. An increased sense of self will pave the way for heightened confidence, making decision-making and problem-solving much simpler for your child.

How can we strengthen the bonding among family members?

Family bonding is crucial for the emotional and psychological health of its members. In today’s busy world, it’s easy to let meaningful family interactions slide in favor of work, school, and personal activities. However, with a little effort and intention, you can create opportunities for your family to grow closer and strengthen your bonds. Here are eight ways to do just that.

1. Plan quality time

Consider quality vs. quantity – just because you have a lot of something does not mean it is high value. To work on your family bond, try searching for hobbies and activities each family member can enjoy together. When the entire family enjoys themselves, there is less room for negativity or conflict and more room to express love and compassion.

Getting out of the house is always a great idea, but occasionally, plans are impacted by weather and temperature. When looking for hobbies that everyone can enjoy, it is helpful to consider indoor and outdoor activities. Your kids will thank you for having a backup plan when their outdoor plans get rained out.

When you get some activities scheduled, hang a calendar in a shared space in your home. Your kids can look to the week ahead and anticipate these activities before they occur. This will help build excitement and facilitate planning and problem-solving for what’s to come. Rituals and traditions are good ways to strengthen family bonds. A few ideas of rituals include Sunday afternoon visits to the movie theater, making Wednesday nights pizza night, or reading books together before bedtime. Some other ways to strengthen family relationships include scheduling family dinners, planning game nights, and finding fun ways to complete chores together.

2. Prioritize family dinners

Dinners are an easy part of the day in which family members can give each other their full attention and engage in important or fun discussions. Kids who eat dinner with their families daily are likelier to experience better family relationships, improved academic performance, heightened self-esteem, and greater resiliency. Further, research shows that teens who eat with their families regularly report lower levels of depression and lower levels of risk-seeking behaviors.

There is a lot of coordination that goes into a family meal: prepping the food, cooking the food, setting the table, and getting the dishes cleaned. Find ways to involve your family members in the cooking and preparation. Little ones can help set the table, wash the produce, and stir ingredients. Older kids and teens can help wash dishes, chop ingredients, and preheat the oven. Some of these tasks may seem overwhelming, but these short-term goals will lead to long-term success in the family system.

Having a designated dinner time with the family can facilitate an opportunity to try new foods together. Setting this expectation will allow less resistance from your picky eaters over time. When you get into the habit of eating family meals together, you can develop menus together and strategize with your picky eaters. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what the meal is or what time of day you are sitting down to eat with your family; what matters most is that you are together and utilizing the opportunity to communicate

how to improve family relationship essay

3. Organize game night

Gaming is an excellent activity for strengthening family connections and creating lasting memories. We all know that games are fun, but there is more to gaming than meets the eye. Incorporating family game night into your week can increase family satisfaction and promote family bonding. Playing video games together as a family, surprisingly to some, is also helpful in promoting family closeness.

Children can pick up helpful skills from board games and other activities, such as improved motor skills, problem-solving, and communication skills. As children work with (and against) other family members, they refine their collaboration skills and goal-seeking behaviors. Games are a fantastic opportunity to learn what it means to win and lose, providing significant benefits outside the family network. One of the most important things your family can do while gaming is to debrief afterward, exploring what your family learned, what they would do differently next time, and what challenges they faced while participating in the game.

4. Make chores a family activity

Though chores are rarely fun, there are some strategies that parents can take to make the process more cohesive with family life. Consider what could improve chores and how you can incorporate your child’s interests during chore time. Start by scheduling times for the family to complete chores together; kids are more likely to participate in an activity when they know their parents and siblings are also involved.

Some parents integrate themes or pretend play into chore time, whereas others find a way to compete or race against time playfully. Occasionally, kids express distaste for completing the same chores week after week. One way to get around this is by drawing chores from a jar or hat during cleaning day.

5. Make room for alone time

Regardless of how well your family takes to bonding activities, it is still essential to take time for yourself. Parents easily get caught up in their kids’ lives and vice versa, which is natural when you spend quality family time together. Bringing your best self every time you spend time with your family is challenging, but engaging in self-care rituals makes this much easier. Scheduling activities for yourself, whether it is an activity you can enjoy alone or a special date night without the kids. The same goes for the other members of your family! Alone time and self-care give us all space to learn more about ourselves and decompress when we’re irritable.

6. Get exposure to other families

By interacting with other families, parents can learn how other family bonds look and how other families tackle problems together. When you talk to your friends and their families about parenting, you collaborate as a community and work toward a greater purpose. Ask other families about their stories: what they like to do for fun, how they overcome obstacles, and how they create their memories.

Parents may feel intimidated by letting other parents and families into their lives. These parents may fear criticism or not being seen as a “good enough” parent. Letting those worries go allows you to open your mind to new approaches. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable with others can help develop more awareness of what is working for your family and what isn’t.

7. Make sure all family members are heard

strong and resilient. Likewise, family bonds suffer when communication breaks down due to emotional immaturity . Kids grow, and expectations change over time, so some of the activities you may do with your family now might not stick down the road. Pushback might mean that someone’s needs are not being met or that there are different ideas of what family time could look like. Regular check-ins and family meetings are good strategies for creating open communication within the family network.

Commit to listening wholeheartedly. You can practice active listening with eye contact and open body language. Your child, teen, and other family members will know you listen when you respond and reflect on what they share. Active listening is a great way to show that you support your loved ones and create a shared life together, and a great way to foster healthy relationships.

8. Engage in Family Traditions and Celebrations

Creating and maintaining family traditions and celebrations is a powerful way to strengthen family bonds. Traditions provide a sense of identity and belonging, offering comfort and security to family members. They can be as simple as a yearly family vacation, celebrating cultural or religious festivals, or creating unique family events. Celebrations, big or small, like acknowledging each other’s achievements or milestones, also add to the sense of family unity. These practices create lasting memories and instill values and a sense of heritage, fostering a more profound connection among family members.

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What does strengthen family bonds mean.

Strengthening family bonds means creating a deeper connection between family members and deepening the bonds of love, respect, trust, and understanding. It can involve activities that bring the family together, such as shared meals, game nights, or outings. It can also involve communication exercises to help family members better understand each other’s perspectives and feelings. Ultimately, strengthening family ties helps create a safe and supportive environment where all members can thrive.

Working with a licensed family therapist can help strengthen family member bonds

Working with a licensed family therapist can be immensely beneficial for families struggling to build or maintain strong bonds. Family therapy offers a safe space for members to express their feelings, work through conflicts, and understand each other’s perspectives. Therapists employ various techniques to improve communication, resolve issues, and teach skills that enhance family dynamics. These sessions can help identify underlying problems, foster emotional healing, and guide families toward healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

Family therapy can be a transformative experience, empowering families to navigate challenges together and reinforcing their bonds for a stronger, more connected family unit.

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Essay about Family: What It Is and How to Nail It

Humans naturally seek belonging within families, finding comfort in knowing someone always cares. Yet, families can also stir up insecurities and mental health struggles.

Family dynamics continue to intrigue researchers across different fields. Every year, new studies explore how these relationships shape our minds and emotions.

In this article, our dissertation service will guide you through writing a family essay. You can also dive into our list of topics for inspiration and explore some standout examples to spark your creativity.

What is Family Essay

A family essay takes a close look at the bonds and experiences within families. It's a common academic assignment, especially in subjects like sociology, psychology, and literature.

So, what's involved exactly? Simply put, it's an exploration of what family signifies to you. You might reflect on cherished family memories or contemplate the portrayal of families in various media.

What sets a family essay apart is its personal touch. It allows you to express your own thoughts and experiences. Moreover, it's versatile – you can analyze family dynamics, reminisce about family customs, or explore other facets of familial life.

If you're feeling uncertain about how to write an essay about family, don't worry; you can explore different perspectives and select topics that resonate with various aspects of family life.

Tips For Writing An Essay On Family Topics

A family essay typically follows a free-form style, unless specified otherwise, and adheres to the classic 5-paragraph structure. As you jot down your thoughts, aim to infuse your essay with inspiration and the essence of creative writing, unless your family essay topics lean towards complexity or science.

Here are some easy-to-follow tips from our essay service experts:

Focus on a Specific Aspect: Instead of a broad overview, delve into a specific angle that piques your interest, such as exploring how birth order influences sibling dynamics or examining the evolving role of grandparents in modern families.
Share Personal Anecdotes: Start your family essay introduction with a personal touch by sharing stories from your own experiences. Whether it's about a favorite tradition, a special trip, or a tough time, these stories make your writing more interesting.
Use Real-life Examples: Illustrate your points with concrete examples or anecdotes. Draw from sources like movies, books, historical events, or personal interviews to bring your ideas to life.
Explore Cultural Diversity: Consider the diverse array of family structures across different cultures. Compare traditional values, extended family systems, or the unique hurdles faced by multicultural families.
Take a Stance: Engage with contentious topics such as homeschooling, reproductive technologies, or governmental policies impacting families. Ensure your arguments are supported by solid evidence.
Delve into Psychology: Explore the psychological underpinnings of family dynamics, touching on concepts like attachment theory, childhood trauma, or patterns of dysfunction within families.
Emphasize Positivity: Share uplifting stories of families overcoming adversity or discuss strategies for nurturing strong, supportive family bonds.
Offer Practical Solutions: Wrap up your essay by proposing actionable solutions to common family challenges, such as fostering better communication, achieving work-life balance, or advocating for family-friendly policies.

Family Essay Topics

When it comes to writing, essay topics about family are often considered easier because we're intimately familiar with our own families. The more you understand about your family dynamics, traditions, and experiences, the clearer your ideas become.

If you're feeling uninspired or unsure of where to start, don't worry! Below, we have compiled a list of good family essay topics to help get your creative juices flowing. Whether you're assigned this type of essay or simply want to explore the topic, these suggestions from our history essay writer are tailored to spark your imagination and prompt meaningful reflection on different aspects of family life.

So, take a moment to peruse the list. Choose the essay topics about family that resonate most with you. Then, dive in and start exploring your family's stories, traditions, and connections through your writing.

Supporting Family Through Tough Times
Staying Connected with Relatives
Empathy and Compassion in Family Life
Strengthening Bonds Through Family Gatherings
Quality Time with Family: How Vital Is It?
Navigating Family Relationships Across Generations
Learning Kindness and Generosity in a Large Family
Communication in Healthy Family Dynamics
Forgiveness in Family Conflict Resolution
Building Trust Among Extended Family
Defining Family in Today's World
Understanding Nuclear Family: Various Views and Cultural Differences
Understanding Family Dynamics: Relationships Within the Family Unit
What Defines a Family Member?
Modernizing the Nuclear Family Concept
Exploring Shared Beliefs Among Family Members
Evolution of the Concept of Family Love Over Time
Examining Family Expectations
Modern Standards and the Idea of an Ideal Family
Life Experiences and Perceptions of Family Life
Genetics and Extended Family Connections
Utilizing Family Trees for Ancestral Links
The Role of Younger Siblings in Family Dynamics
Tracing Family History Through Oral Tradition and Genealogy
Tracing Family Values Through Your Family Tree
Exploring Your Elder Sister's Legacy in the Family Tree
Connecting Daily Habits to Family History
Documenting and Preserving Your Family's Legacy
Navigating Online Records and DNA Testing for Family History
Tradition as a Tool for Family Resilience
Involving Family in Daily Life to Maintain Traditions
Creating New Traditions for a Small Family
The Role of Traditions in Family Happiness
Family Recipes and Bonding at House Parties
Quality Time: The Secret Tradition for Family Happiness
The Joy of Cousins Visiting for Christmas
Including Family in Birthday Celebrations
Balancing Traditions and Unconditional Love
Building Family Bonds Through Traditions

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Family Essay Example

For a better grasp of the essay on family, our team of skilled writers has crafted a great example. It looks into the subject matter, allowing you to explore and understand the intricacies involved in creating compelling family essays. So, check out our meticulously crafted sample to discover how to craft essays that are not only well-written but also thought-provoking and impactful.

Final Outlook

In wrapping up, let's remember: a family essay gives students a chance to showcase their academic skills and creativity by sharing personal stories. However, it's important to stick to academic standards when writing about these topics. We hope our list of topics sparked your creativity and got you on your way to a reflective journey. And if you hit a rough patch, you can just ask us to ' do my essay for me ' for top-notch results!

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FAQs on Writing an Essay about Family

Family essays seem like something school children could be assigned at elementary schools, but family is no less important than climate change for our society today, and therefore it is one of the most central research themes.

Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions on family-related topics. Before you conduct research, scroll through them and find out how to write an essay about your family.

How to Write an Essay About Your Family History?

How to write an essay about a family member, how to write an essay about family and roots, how to write an essay about the importance of family.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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What are dysfunctional family relationships?

Common causes of family conflict, tips on interacting with difficult family members, when to cut ties with family members, dealing with difficult family relationships.

Struggling to coexist with difficult family members? Learn about common sources of conflict and how to deal with dysfunctional family relationships.

Mothers, fathers, siblings—your closest family members can form a lifelong social support system. They can celebrate your highs and give you comfort when you’re at your lows. Even so, disagreements and misunderstandings are bound to happen. Minor conflicts between family members are normal, and they typically resolve on their own or with some constructive dialogue. But other conflicts can be much more significant. In cases where resentment and toxic patterns arise, family interactions can become lasting sources of frustration and tear relationships apart.

Difficult family relationships can take on many forms. You might have an overly critical dad who makes you feel anxious. Perhaps a sibling’s jealousy is a constant source of tension at family functions. Or maybe you believe a new in-law’s controlling behavior leads to unnecessary drama.

These turbulent family relationships can have long-lasting effects on your health and well-being. You might:

Begin to blame yourself for these poor relationships.
Experience fear and anxiety surrounding family or holiday events.
Hesitate to reach out to other family members.
Suffer from lack of emotional or financial support during hard times.
Develop trouble sleeping or focusing due to the stress of these interactions.

Research even indicates that poor relationships with parents, siblings, or spouses can contribute to midlife depression symptoms . Exposure to domestic conflicts can also have a long-term impact on a child’s well-being as well. One longitudinal study found that domestic arguments and violence can increase a child’s risk of developing mental and physical health problems later in life.

To minimize these consequences, you can learn how to identify causes of family tension and take steps to create peaceful interactions. While you might eventually find that cutting ties is the best option for your health and happiness, there are approaches you can take that can help repair family bonds and improve your relationships with those closest to you.

Speak to a Licensed Therapist

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Before you learn how to deal with difficult family members, it helps to examine why those relationships are rocky to begin with. Consider these common causes of family disputes and ways to navigate them:

Family finances

Family members tend to have some degree of financial overlap. Siblings might bicker over an inheritance. Parents may have strong opinions on how their children handle money. Or adult children might feel the need to control their aging parents’ finances.

When it comes to large family events, such as weddings or holiday parties, financial disagreements can often come to a head. However, there are ways to navigate money-related problems within your family.

Put things in writing. If you expect a family member to pay you back for a personal loan, for example, make a written agreement between the two of you. This can help you avoid arguments or even legal disputes.

Set boundaries. If a family member is pressuring you to loan or give them money or wants to dictate your finances, it’s important to clarify the type of behavior you won’t tolerate. Be clear so your family member will know when they’ve crossed the line.

Know when to be transparent. You don’t have to share all of your financial details with anyone. But, in cases where your decisions may affect your family members, it’s best to be transparent. You might want to talk to your children about details of their inheritance to avoid a future conflict, for example, or let your siblings know why you can’t contribute to a shared expense.

[Read: Coping with Financial Stress]

Caregiving responsibilities

Research from 2020 shows that about 19 percent of Americans are acting as unpaid family caregivers. The stresses and responsibilities of being a caregiver can weigh heavily on family relationships.

Studies indicate that tension between siblings tends to increase when a parent begins to need some level of caregiving. Perhaps you believe your sibling is in denial over your parent’s health and needs to be more proactive. Or maybe you and your sibling disagree on whether an assisted living facility is the right housing choice for your parent.

Conflicts over caregiving aren’t limited to sibling relationships. You might have arguments with your parents or spouse over how to raise your children.

When you and another family member are at odds over caregiving, try these tips:

Be open about what level of support you need as a caregiver. If you keep your feelings to yourself, resentment can grow and increase tensions.

Look for compromise and accept other people’s limitations. If your sibling can’t physically assist with caregiving, perhaps they can offer financial help. Remember to show your appreciation when your sibling takes on responsibilities.

If someone else is completely unable or unwilling to help with parental caregiving, try looking for support outside of your family .

[Read: Family Caregiving]

New family members

As your family expands, so does the potential for new conflicts. In one study of estrangement between mothers and adult children, more than 70 percent of the mothers said other family members caused the rift. The mothers often pointed to the child’s partner or spouse as the problem.

These conflicts aren’t limited to mothers and children, of course. You and your brother-in-law might have a contentious relationship. Or perhaps your father-in-law always seems to expect too much from you. To better get along with your in-laws:

Expect differences. Different families have different expectations, boundaries, and ways of doing things. Do you see your daughter-in-law as an untactful or even rude family member? Maybe she comes from a family background that encourages blunt language or tolerates teasing.

Focus on their most positive traits. Your in-laws are part of your family because someone else in your family saw the good in them. If you’re having a hard time seeing past their flaws, try making a list of their strengths.

Find common interests. Although it’s not always easy, you can usually find shared interests if you look hard enough. Ask about your in-laws’ hobbies, passions, and past experiences until you find something that’s relatable.

Political and religious differences

Religious and political similarities can affect the strength of family bonds. For example, studies indicate that when mothers share the same religion as adult children, they tend to experience higher-quality relationships.

On the other hand, when family members don’t have the same views on religion or politics, it can trigger heated arguments. Maybe your sibling objects to group prayers before meals. Or perhaps you hear insults and snide remarks when you express your political views. Here’s how to deal with difficult family members who have opposing views:

Identify useful conversations. When a debate starts, ask yourself what you hope to get from the interaction. Do you expect to completely change your family member’s mind? Or are you trying to gain insight into their beliefs? Is it at all possible that either of you will budge on your position? Even if you’ll never agree about something, you can still move the conversation forward if you’re both willing to be open and respectful of each other’s views.

Avoid sweeping generalizations. Statements like, “Everyone on the left is evil” or “Everyone on the right is an idiot” can quickly escalate arguments and further entrench people.

Try to see the human element in the other person’s values. Many political beliefs are shaped by an underlying concern for society, such as economic or environmental stability. By recognizing that, the other person’s views may not seem as wildly different from your own.

Know when to exit heated arguments. When emotions run too hot, make a respectful but firm exit from the conversation. You can say something like, “I’m not sure if this is productive. Let’s leave it there.” Contain the urge to have the “last word.”

Be mindful of your jokes. Humor can often help diffuse a tense argument . However, avoid aggressive jokes that target the other person’s beliefs or values.

Unresolved family issues

Things that happened in the past can have a lasting effect on family relationships. Did you and your son have an explosive argument when he was a teenager? If the matter went unresolved, he might continue to be resentful or distrustful of you. Did your parents seem to favor you over your brothers? Jealousy could become an underlying source of tension for your siblings.

Unresolved issues can often crop up during milestone events or times of change within the family. For example, insecurities over parental favoritism might reappear as you and your siblings begin to act as caregivers to an aging parent.

If you’re the one holding onto an issue, speak up. Invite the other person to a private conversation, where you can bring up the issue and share your perspective. Be willing to forgive if the party apologizes for their part in the problem.

If a family member is holding resentment, be empathetic. Try to understand how they perceived events and how the past continues to affect them. If you caused some harm to them in the past, apologize and ask how you can repair the damage to the relationship. For example, if you lost your temper with your son in the past, explain how you plan to do better going forward.

If neither person is at fault, it can still help to acknowledge the past and the effects of growing up in a dysfunctional family. Remember that no family is perfect, and past events influence present-day perceptions. Focus on what steps you can take in the present to resolve the conflict .

Despite your best efforts and intentions, sometimes you’ll find that you simply can’t get along with a family member. Perhaps someone continues to hold a grudge against you or refuses to change their behavior.

Your general plan might be to avoid difficult family members. However, that strategy can often be foiled by weddings, funerals, and other family gatherings. Here are some alternate options:

Manage your own stress

Prioritize de-stressing before and after you have to interact with a difficult family member. Effective stress management techniques can range from meditation to going for a walk to journaling your thoughts or chatting face-to-face with a close friend.

If you start to feel stressed by the difficult family member during the event itself, don’t hesitate to excuse yourself from the room and use some quick stress relief techniques to clear your head.

Rely on your senses to ground yourself in the moment. Take in a deep breath of fresh air, find a friendly cat or dog to pet, or hum a tune to yourself. You can also use your imagination to picture something soothing, like your child’s face or a relaxing setting.
If you tend to freeze when under stress, activities that involve physical movement are often most effective. Consider doing some stretches, swaying to background music, or jogging in place to burn off tension.

Set and maintain boundaries

Strong, clear boundaries can protect you from toxic family interactions. Imagine you and your spouse are about to visit overbearing in-laws. Talk to your spouse and set a limit on how long the visit will last. You can also set boundaries on conversation topics. If you and your in-laws have had heated arguments over religion, it might be best to steer clear of the topic.

If someone attempts to cross your boundaries, keep your temper in check. Instead, be clear and direct about the consequence. For example, you could say something like: “If you keep bringing up that topic, I’ll be leaving early.”

Build your emotional intelligence (EQ)

By strengthening your emotional intelligence, you can improve your ability to understand, manage, and express emotions. This can have a positive effect not just on your family relationships but on your overall mental health.

To enhance your EQ, you need to focus on four key skills:

Self-management
Self-awareness
Social awareness
Relationship management

You can develop these skills by taking steps such as using mindfulness to assess your emotional state and nonverbal cues. Read Improving Family Relationships with Emotional Intelligence for more strategies.

Change your focus

Be willing to acknowledge your family member’s strengths as well as their flaws. Perhaps your sibling is confrontational and demanding, but at least they’re always willing to help finance family events. Or maybe your mother-in-law is overly critical of you but always supportive of your children.

Practice empathy

Acknowledge that a difficult family member might be going through rough circumstances of their own. From personal insecurities to substance addiction or mental illness, certain underlying factors could be fueling your family member’s behavior.

Although these factors don’t excuse the behavior, by being more empathetic you might gain a better understanding of the person and why they act the way they do.

Use conflict resolution skills

Conflict resolution skills can come in handy anytime you’re dealing with family drama. These skills involve managing stress in the moment , being aware of both your own emotions and the other person’s, and prioritizing resolution over winning the argument.

You might notice that an aging parent is lashing out due to a feeling of declining independence. A deescalating step might be to ask them to do you a favor or give them a task that allows them to feel needed.

[Read: Conflict Resolution Skills]

Limit expectations and practice acceptance

Make peace with the fact that some people have viewpoints or priorities that may never match your own. Your adult children, siblings, or parents will do what they feel is right for them, and you can’t control their behavior. Try to treasure the relationship for what it is, or focus on other relationships that bring you joy.

At what point is a dysfunctional family relationship no longer worth saving? That may depend on different factors.

What’s the potential for change? The other person must be willing to acknowledge the problem and work to change. Some people don’t want to change, and you can’t control their behavior. If you’re dealing with a narcissistic family member , their inflated self-image, lack of empathy, and manipulative ways can hinder any meaningful progress.

How severe is the conflict? In cases of abuse , it’s usually advisable to cut ties with the family member. Remember that abuse doesn’t necessarily have to be physical. People who subject you to verbal, emotional, or psychological abuse can also harm your sense of well-being. This could include a father-in-law who aims to humiliate you or siblings who use guilt-tripping to manipulate you.

Dealing with doubts

Cutting ties means ending contact with the difficult family member, which is not always easy. You might repeatedly question your decision or have a hard time accepting that the relationship is unsalvageable.

Keep a list of specific reasons why you’ve decided to end contact. Did the person cross your boundaries too many times? Did the stress of your interactions negatively affect other areas of your life? Write it all down, so you don’t forget.

How to deal with the grief of ending a relationship

Depending on how close you were to the family member, you may need to take time to grieve the loss of the relationship.

Rather than suppress your feelings, identify and acknowledge them. It’s normal to experience anything from anger to sadness to guilt following the end of a relationship. You should also expect grief to intensify on days that remind you of the family member, such as birthdays or holidays.

Talk to friends and other family members about the situation. Now is a good time to reach out for support. Tell the supportive people in your life what you need from them. You might even strengthen bonds with other family members.

Maintain your hobbies and health. Continue to engage in activities you love, and look after your physical healthy by exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and eating nutritious foods. Don’t use drugs or alcohol to cope with your negative feelings .

Moving forward

Over time, people’s behaviors and circumstances can change. So, know that cutting off ties doesn’t necessarily have to be permanent. If you see evidence that your family member is truly willing to make amends, there may be a chance of reconciliation.

Don’t rush reconciliation, though. You should both accept that the process may take time and requires concrete steps for improving the relationship. With a combination of patience and improved communication , you might be able to repair that broken bond and move forward with a healthier relationship.

More Information

Help with Relationships - Articles addressing common relationship problems, such as arguments, conflict, and communication. (Relate UK)
Buist, K. L., van Tergouw, M. S., Koot, H. M., & Branje, S. (2019). Longitudinal Linkages between Older and Younger Sibling Depressive Symptoms and Perceived Sibling Relationship Quality. Journal of Youth and Adolescence , 48(6), 1190–1202. Link
Con, G., Suitor, J. J., Rurka, M., & Gilligan, M. (2019). Adult Children’s Perceptions of Maternal Favoritism During Caregiving: Comparisons Between Turkey and the United States. Research on Aging , 41(2), 139–163. Link
Full-report-caregiving-in-the-united-states-01-21.pdf. (n.d.). Retrieved January 12, 2022, from Link
Gilligan, M., Suitor, J., Nam, S., Routh, B., Rurka, M., & Con, G. (2017). Family Networks and Psychological Well-Being in Midlife. Social Sciences , 6(3), 94. Link
Paradis, A. D., Reinherz, H. Z., Giaconia, R. M., Beardslee, W. R., Ward, K., & Fitzmaurice, G. M. (2009). Long-Term Impact of Family Arguments and Physical Violence on Adult Functioning at Age 30 Years: Findings From the Simmons Longitudinal Study. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry , 48(3), 290–298. Link
Schoppe-Sullivan, S. J., Coleman, J., Wang, J., & Yan, J. J. (2021). Mothers’ attributions for estrangement from their adult children. Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice . Link
Sechrist, J., Suitor, J. J., Vargas, N., & Pillemer, K. (2011). The Role of Perceived Religious Similarity in the Quality of Mother-child Relations in Later Life: Differences Within Families and Between Races. Research on Aging , 33(1), 3–27. Link
Suitor, J. J., Gilligan, M., Johnson, K., & Pillemer, K. (2014). Caregiving, Perceptions of Maternal Favoritism, and Tension Among Siblings. The Gerontologist , 54(4), 580–588. Link
Waldinger, R. J., Vaillant, G. E., & Orav, E. J. (2007). Childhood Sibling Relationships as a Predictor of Major Depression in Adulthood: A 30-Year Prospective Study. American Journal of Psychiatry , 164(6), 949–954. Link

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Building Strong Family Relationships

Our society thrives on strong families.

Our family teaches us how to function in the world. It should provide love and warmth to all of its members. A strong family gives its members the support they need to make it through life’s toughest spots.

Strong families have good communication.

Strong families have open lines of communication -- where all family members feel heard and respected. One of the best ways to strengthen your family is to increase your listening skills and those of other family members. Until we can hear each other, we cannot build strong relationships.

To build strong family relationships, listen actively to each other.

Give the person your full attention, turn off the TV or put down what you are doing.
Focus on what the person is telling you -- rather than thinking about your reaction or response to what is being said. (There will be time for that.)
Listen for how the other person is feeling and relay back what you think they were saying and how they are feeling. ―I hear you saying that you don’t like your sister. You look pretty mad. Did something happen?
Resist giving advice or your reaction until you are certain you have fully understood what the person was saying to you

Use “I” messages rather than “You” messages when talking.

"I don’t like all this fighting. It upsets me to see the two of you not getting along." Rather than ― "What’s wrong with the two of you? You’ are making me crazy! Can’t you ever get along?"
"You" messages should be discouraged because they often lead to bad feelings and increased fighting. ― "You" messages seldom resolve the problem.

Encourage all family members to share their thoughts and feelings.

Strong families allow all family members -- no matter how young or small -- to talk about their thoughts and feelings. This does not mean that members are not respectful of one another, but rather that feelings and ideas are respected.

Everyone should be expected to express themselves in appropriate ways -- such as with ― "I" messages. When people feel heard and respected, they feel better about themselves, are more open to solving problems, and are more likely to allow others to express themselves.

Strong families spend time together.

In today’s busy world it can be difficult for families to find time to be together. All relationships need attention -- and this includes the family as a whole.

Family rituals can offer a set time for families to get together and give each other the attention needed. A family ritual is simply a time that is set aside on a regular basis for a family to get together. This can mean having dinner together, celebrating a holiday together, going to church together, or going for a walk together. It is important that the family ritual be predictable and that other activities are not allowed to upset it.

Family rituals help define who we are as a family. It allows time for the family to get together, to share experiences with one another, and to reconnect with each other. Knowing that the family will have time together can help us deal with those times when we are apart. Even though parents may work, children can know that each evening, each weekend (or whenever works for your family) they will have some ― "special time" with you.

Every child is special and every child needs some special time when he can have his parent all to himself.

Giving your child some "special time" helps develop a close relationship with your child. If you can make it a predictable ritual, your child can depend on it — and look forward to this time with you. Be sure that this " special time" is not easily interrupted by other activities. For example, don’t answer the phone during this time.

Allow your child to help you decide how to spend this time. You could read books, sing songs, go for a walk, play a game -- or whatever your child enjoys. The more you are able to spend ―special time‖ with your child the stronger your relationship will be.

Look for opportunities to connect with your child.

Although setting aside time with your child is important, also look for small moments that you can use to connect with your child. Researchers say that spending frequent, brief amounts of time (as little as 1-2 minutes) involved in child-preferred activities is one of the most powerful things parents can do. You can make up stories together while doing chores, talk about concerns while on the way to the grocery store, read a book together while waiting for dinner to finish. We often think we have to wait for our "special time" but all these small moments help us stay connected in between the more scheduled times.

Strong families handle their conflict fairly.

All families have conflict – it’s a natural part of human relationships. Strong families are able to work through things they disagree about by focusing on the problems, rather than by "tearing each other down."

Keys to Fair Fighting

Stay focused on the behavior or problem. Use "I" messages to express your thoughts and feelings about the problem. For example, if you and your child are arguing about bedtime, you could say "I get angry when you continue to argue with me even after I’ve told you my decision. I want you to go to bed now." instead of "You never listen to me. Go to bed now or I’ll spank you."

Stay focused on the present problem. Do not bring up old issues and problems. These only distract from the present issue. You can discuss them later.

Respect each other’s right to safety. Fights should never become violent. When people are so angry that they feel like hitting one another or throwing things, call for a time out. Agree to get together to talk again after everyone has had a chance to calm down.

Use your problem solving skills to create new solutions to the problem and teach your kids to think of ways to resolve conflict. It is not useful to fight about what isn’t working. Instead, focus on what has worked in the past or what could work now.

For bedtime problems, you could say, "I am tired of always arguing with you about your bedtime. Let’s come up with some new ways that you can get to bed without all this hassle." Then you and your child could think of some solutions and decide which one to try. The more you include your child, the better problem solver he will be -- and the more likely to follow through with the plan.

Strong Families Develop Trust.

Strong, healthy families recognize the importance of developing trust. Trust is the glue that holds relationships together.

Some ways to develop trust in your family are:

Give your child opportunities to earn your trust. Let her do small tasks around the house and praise her for doing it on her own.
Show your child that you can be trusted. Children need to know that they can count on what their parents say. Follow through with the things you promise to do.
Allow people in your family to make amends. We all make mistakes. Teach your child to forgive and allow yourself to forgive others. Holding on to past hurts often only hurts us.
Teach everyone how to say “I’m sorry.” Taking responsibility for our good and our bad behaviors is important and helps to develop trust. People learn to trust that they can be loved even though they are not perfect.

Pat Tanner Nelson, Ed.D. Extension Family & Human Development Specialist [email protected] http://bit.ly/DEjitp

Dr. Elizabeth Park, graduate of the Department of Individual and Family Studies, University of Delaware, was a major contributor to this issue.

Suggested Citation: Nelson, P. T. (2012) In Families Matter! A Series for Parents of School-Age Youth. Newark, DE: Cooperative Extension, University of Delaware.

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Home / Essay Samples / Sociology / Communication / Family Relationships

Family Relationships Essay Examples

The nuclear family in sociology: perspectives and challenges.

To start with, this is nuclear family essay in which the topic will be considered by an author. The past few decades have seen significant changes in behavioural patterns and lifestyles that have led to new structures and features of households and families. The changes...

Strengthening Family Relationships: Strategies and Insights

Family relationships are the bonds created among a group of people who share the same DNA. These set of people are related by blood, marriage or adoption. Family relationships can be divided into nuclear family relationship and extended family relationship. In the essay about family...

The Meaning of a Happy Family: Perspectives and Realities

Family? What is family? What do you expect to that family? It can be answered in many words, but in this happy family essay I wil describe what family is in a simple words. Happy family have many forms. Happy Family, of course that is...

My Family - is My Strength and My Weakness

I love posting picture of my family. My family is my life, and everything else comes second as far as what’s important to me. That is why I chose to write my strength and my weakness is my family essay. Because I wholeheartedly love my...

Treasured Memories: My Family Through a Photograph

I was just hanging out on my sisters couch watching my family act crazy and having fun it kinda looked like I was watching wild animals have fun but I love my family and I would just glance at those presents wanting to open them...

Portrait of My Family: a Brief Narrative Description

Most people in the world are lucky to have families. A family that can share all the joys and sorrows with you, guide you through your growing years, and accompany you in the most difficult situations. I am also very lucky to have such a...

Family: a Descriptive Exploration of Parental Roles

My name is Ammy. I am studying psychology. I am from Bangladesh. With my parents we are permanent resident of USA since I was 3 years old. In my family, I have my father, my mother and a sister. I am the younger child of...

My Father is My Best Friend

A best friend is someone who understands, supports, and stands by you through thick and thin. In my life, that role is beautifully fulfilled by my father. This essay explores the special bond I share with my father, highlighting the qualities that make him not...

Family Structures: Blended, Nuclear, and Extended Compared

There are many different types of families and there are range of family structures that exist in our society today. Here is “Blended, nuclear and extended family”essay in which three types of modern families will be considered and a comparison between them will be made. ...

Causes of Sibling Rivalry: Understanding Family Dynamics

Sibling relationships are among the most enduring and complex bonds in our lives. While siblings can provide emotional support and companionship, they can also experience rivalry and conflicts. Sibling rivalry is a common phenomenon that has been observed in families across cultures and generations. In...

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