Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Spend quality time together
• Method 2 of 4: Improve communication
• Method 3 of 4: Dealing with arguments as a parent
• Method 4 of 4: Dealing with arguments as a child

When you have a nice family, you feel more connected to your brothers, sisters and parents. There are also fewer arguments, which means that everyone can be happier. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to make your time with your family more enjoyable and more fulfilling.

To step

Method 1 of 4: Spend quality time together

1. Provide a fixed daily and weekly rhythm for the whole family. Eat, sleep, and family activities on a predictable schedule. Fixed habits and rituals ensure cohesion within a family, reduce stress and provide a stable environment in which all family members feel comfortable.
   • Being with the family on a regular basis can be a very important part of the habits you develop within the family.
   • Get home from work early and focus on your family when you get home.
2. You can create traditions within the family by celebrating birthdays and holidays together. You don't have to do the same thing on every birthday or holiday. For example, you can go to the favorite restaurant of the birthday boy or girl, or do something the birthday boy or girl really likes. In this way you hold on to a tradition, but you always undertake a different activity.
3. Eat meals together as much as possible. Parents work and children often have activities after school, so eating breakfast and dinner together every day can sometimes be a challenge. Do your best to eat together as often as possible. Eating with the family is a very important habit, and it helps everyone to stay involved in each other's lives.
   • If someone in the family comes home late from work, school, or something else, sit with them while they eat, even if you've already eaten yourself. Spending time together and talking to each other is ultimately more important than always eating together.
4. Set aside time for regular family activities. Activities that you can regularly do with the family are cycling, walking, playing card games or other games. If possible, devote at least one afternoon or evening a week to things you can do together as a family. Keep it simple; it's about having fun and enjoying each other's company.
5. Do household chores together. Few people really enjoy chores in the house, but sharing the responsibility of the household can make everyone in the family proud of the home. Try to make it as fun as possible, for example by putting on music or turning it into a competition.
   • For example, whoever finishes folding his or her laundry first may choose which film will be put on that evening.
   • Divide the chores into chores that are appropriate for the age of the child. After dinner, the youngest could wipe the table with a cloth, your oldest could put in the dishwasher, and you could put the leftover food away in the fridge.

Method 2 of 4: Improve communication

1. Respect the things the other members of the family say. If someone is expressing his (or her) opinion, don't dismiss it as nonsense or interrupt until he has finished speaking. Keeping communication open and respectful will help all family members trust each other and build closer your relationship.
   • For example, don't always laugh at your siblings when they express their opinion. If your siblings are bullying you, say something like, "It's normal for siblings to tease each other and sometimes argue, but I feel sad when you keep making fun of me when I say something."
2. Don't criticize or judge. Give each other the space to express emotions and act crazy, without anyone having to be afraid of being criticized or disapproved. When people are afraid of being disapproved, they tend to bottle things up and keep their feelings to themselves.
   • If you are a parent, provide positive, constructive criticism and try to teach your children not to criticize each other too harshly. You can say, "Good try, but I'll just help you do it the right way," instead of "No, you shouldn't do it that way."
3. Listen carefully to the members of the family. Listening attentively means that you allow what the other is saying and that you show that you are listening to the other. Make eye contact with the other person, nod your head, and say things like, "I understand," when appropriate. Just listen instead of immediately thinking about what you want to say, and don't give advice or your opinion until the other person has finished talking.
   • If necessary, ask for more information. Then say something like, "Wait, what do you mean by that?" Or "What about this before or after you saw them at the store?"
   • Listening carefully means putting your phone away when talking to someone. Try to control your tendencies: don't read messages or check social media sites all the time, especially if you're having a serious conversation with someone.
4. Express your love and appreciation regularly. Small verbal and non-verbal signals can mean a lot to the other person.Don't just try to say "I love you"; there are other ways to let the other person know you care. These can be very small gestures.
   • Saying "please," "thank you," and other pleasantries creates a positive atmosphere. Give your parents a hug and say, "Do you know that you appreciate me?" That can have a tremendous positive effect on them. If a brother (or sister) is doing his homework and there is an empty glass on his desk, ask him, "Hey, would you like a glass of water?"
5. Don't compare your family to others on social media. It can be easy to come to believe that other people always look happy in their photos and videos. However, it is important to remember that every family must work to keep relationships healthy and strong. If you are jealous of someone else's family, remind yourself that you don't know what their life is really like and they probably have arguments and other problems, just like everyone else.
   • Remember, even if someone else's family goes on vacation more often or has more expensive things, it doesn't mean they are happier than you and your family.
   EXPERT TIP

   Make sure you spend a pleasant evening or afternoon together every week. Being with the family does not have to be formal, nor does it have to be stressful and serious. Spend an hour together every week, then turn off the television and put away the phones. Talk about the week; what went well and what went less well, what nice things are still waiting for you, and just have a good time together.

   • Try to keep it light. The goal is to encourage everyone to communicate freely, to feel comfortable, and to have a good time with each other. Ask each other questions such as, "What's the funniest thing that happened to you last week?"
   • Do your best to make sure everyone is involved. It may be difficult to actively involve toddlers and adolescents, but try to keep the conversation going.

Method 3 of 4: Dealing with arguments as a parent

1. Maintain a healthy balance between your role as a parent and your child's natural need for freedom. One of the most common arguments within families is about the parent's responsibility for the child's safety and the child's natural need to be free. Keep your custody, but give your children a chance to gain your trust. Gradually give your children more freedom and privileges as they get older.
   • For example, arrange a time with your adolescent son or daughter, and if he or she will stick with it for several months, you can arrange a later time.
2. Try to set a good example for your children when you argue with your spouse. When you and your spouse are arguing, remember that it teaches your children how to deal with conflict by looking at the way you handle disagreements yourself. Stick to the topic at stake at the time, resist the temptation to bring up things from the past that are bothering you, and don't attack the other person personally. If you can, do not argue in front of your children, or try to resolve an argument when your children are around.
3. When your kids argue, only interfere when necessary, and let them work it out on their own as much as possible. Give them ground rules and only intervene if the rules are broken, or if your children cannot calm themselves down.
   • Basic rules are: do not hit, swear and swear. Explain to them that they should let the other person finish and that they can talk things through in a calm manner.
   • If an argument arises, separate your kids so they can cool down, and then help them find a compromise. Explain to them that you are not there to blame anyone (unless one has scolded or hit the other), but to help them find the best solution.
4. Communicate clearly and directly when resolving an argument. Try to avoid being passive-aggressive, and try not to appear vague or sarcastic, especially when there is an argument. Say what you think and encourage your children to do the same.
   • For example, if your child hasn't taken out the trash, don't ignore your child or let them know in an unclear way that you don't like it. Be direct, and don't say something like, "It's disappointing when people don't do the chores they have to do." Say, "Sam, I'm disappointed you didn't take out the trash this week. I'll keep your pocket money if it happens again. "

Method 4 of 4: Dealing with arguments as a child

1. Respect the responsibility parents have to protect you. Although children need and can handle more and more freedom as they grow up, it is important to keep in mind that your parents care about you. Their job is to make sure you are safe and that you are provided with the tools to take care of yourself once you grow up.
   • If one of your parents doesn't allow you to date someone much older than you, or if you have to go to bed early, remember that your parent is doing it for your own good.
   • If your parent is open to negotiating with you, such as when to be home, talk to your parent in a mature way. Say what you want to say calmly and clearly, and don't complain or yell to get your way when you are told no.
2. Try to find ways to compromise if you have an argument with a sibling. Try not to blame or make fun of the other person right away, and instead say something like, `` Time out - let's think about how to get out of this first. '' Keep your cool and look for ways on which you can, for example, share the remote control or play a game together.
   • If you are unable to come up with a solution on your own, ask one of your parents for help.
3. Try to see the situation from your sibling's perspective. Before you have your opinion ready, take a deep breath and try to stay calm. For example, if someone ate your favorite snack or grabbed your clothes, try to be those things from her or his perspective before you get angry.
   • For example, if your sibling has stolen something other than yours, such as a jacket, makeup, or a watch, tell yourself. "I don't think he did this to bother me. He just wants to wear this to school because he wants to look cool. "
   • Tell him, "I know you really like my leather jacket. I understand you feel cool when you wear it on. But it's mine and you can't just grab something from me without asking me. "
4. Try not to get involved in an argument between your parents. If your parents are arguing, let them work it out together. Don't try to be a referee in the fight, and try to stay aloof from it. Move to another room in the house, listen to some music, or do something else to distract yourself until they are done with the argument.
   • If the argument continues and involves physical violence, talk to someone in your family, the counselor at school, or another adult you trust.