Tips for Having a Happy Family

Family is for most people the most important part of their life, and although you may have a career and other passions, when you get down to it, your family takes precedence. The trouble is, it can be hard sometimes to be a happy family, for all sorts of reasons. Anything that puts a strain on you, such as illness, financial problems, difficulties at work and so on is bound to have an effect on how well you get on together. Everyone is subject to troubled times and challenges in their lives, so how should you protect your family from the negative influence of life’s problems?

Photo by Jenn Evelyn-Ann on Unsplash

Staying together

There are various UK divorce statistics available out there, which to some couples could be concerning if they are looking to get married. Regarding couples who stay together, many couples decide to live together before marrying, giving them a greater insight into how well they can live together before tying the knot. Whether you’re married or not, staying together would have been your intention when you had your children, and parents who are happy together will be providing the best home life for their kids. On the other hand, staying together just for the sake of the children is misguided, as your unhappiness is bound to show and affect them. A clean, amicable break with both parents maintaining good relationships with the children is far better for them than two unhappy adults trying to keep going together.

Spending time together

Happy families often make time to spend time together. This could be family days out to attractions you can all enjoy, like a theme park or wildlife centre, but it doesn’t have to be special days out. A walk together near where you live, a picnic, a trip to the beach; all are great ways to spend time enjoying each other’s company. When you’re at home, taking time to do activities together as a family is an important part of maintaining close bonds. This could be as simple as making a cake together, playing games in the garden, doing an art project together, or cuddling up on the sofa with some popcorn to watch a good film. While it is important for your kids to learn to be independent and not turn to you for attention all the time, it’s also vital that you spend quality time with your kids every day, when your sole focus is on them.

Communication

Good communication is at the heart of a happy life, so always encourage your kids and your partner to talk to you about anything that’s on their mind. Not discussing issues that are making a member of the family unhappy can lead to deepening resentment, arguments, and misunderstandings. By encouraging family members to talk to each other you will be avoiding unpleasant emotions and awkward situations, so it is advised to be approachable and listen carefully to what everyone has to say.

No-one can be happy all the time, and life is filled with various challenges, but by putting your loved ones first and paying attention to them, you will be building a mutual love and respect that will sustain you through any difficult times.

This is a collaborative post.