Here we go again:
Lessons 8 & 9:
- Lesson 8: The Family Under Stress
- Lesson 9: Communication & Mutual Respect
In lesson eight we discussed different stresses that a family can encounter. Some examples of this are a death of a close family member or of an immediate family member, a move, divorce, or an illness in the family. Each of these things can affect the family unit in various ways. It can either bring the family closer together through the trial or pull them apart. The most healthy way to deal with stress within the family is to deal with it together. Everybody takes things and handles stress differently. A difficult matter should be handled as a growing experience to help one another in the family and a learning opportunity to comfort.
In lesson nine we go more over proper communication tactics in families. We discussed how important tone and nonverbal communication really is. You know when you were a kid and your mother would give you that dread 'look' of disapproval if you didn't do something that she asked you to do? Well that is a perfect example of nonverbal communication. Body language is also important to express how we are feeling. It is best to learn while you are young what all of these forms of communication are. Always have respect in the things you do and the things you say.
xoxo-Hayley
Good post! Why is it so important that families cope with stress as a group instead of individually? What are some of the best coping mechanisms you have seen effective? When we develop positive communication patterns we also encourage greater amounts of trust and kindness due to our desire to connect to others. You discussed the importance of learning these behavioral patterns while young, how can we best teach children of the positive communication? Do you believe that adults who have reinforced negative patterns throughout their lives can change their communication patterns, and if how could they best do so?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
ReplyDeleteHave you ever heard the expression, "A family that plays together stays together"? Well, a family that can overcome barriers such as stress and hardship, as a team, will stay together, more likely.
Everybody copes differently. Personally I am a crier. I just let it out and when I do I feel a whole lot better. Holding in tears is never healthy. For me, this tactic works. Honestly, no matter what the issue is sometimes you just have to face it head on. Talking about your issues may get them resolved or it may push you even further away. It doesn't hurt to try.
It is best to teach children from the get-go that communication is key to a healthy relationship. It is good for them to realize what types of communication are productive or counterproductive. Children absorb new skills faster then adults and the elderly.
I have met my share of adults who have had issues in their life. Changing someones sense of speech and making it more positive is next to impossible once you reach over middle age. By then most people are stuck in their ways and are either unable to change or unwilling. If the adult "reinforced" negative patterns then there is unlikely to be a significant or wholehearted change from them.