Relationships

10 Ways to Bond as a Family

Emphasize the goodness in family members and de-emphasize imperfections.
Resist advice giving unless you’re specifically asked for your opinion.
Listen more than you talk.
Don’t use sarcasm as a means of connecting.
Limit alcohol consumption as it detracts from genuine relating.
Pay attention to the elders and the youngest, they are more in need of your attention.
Make attempts to enter the world of children; don’t spend your time in exclusive adult conversation.
Resist favoring those family members whom you have most in common with, try to establish rapport with those most unlike yourself.
Bring the group together through song, music, and old videos of the family’s history.
Show your appreciation by giving a personal toast before meals that expresses your deepest emotions of love for those present and those missing from the past.

Be realistic in terms of your expectations of yourself and others.
Limit alcohol as it will lower tolerance and increase the chance of arguments.
Don’t abandon exercise as you’ll need this stress reducer more than ever.
Limit simple sugars as they can leave you moody and tense.
Focus on those you know are easy to get along and limit exposure to the drama makers.
Use music as a calming agent and mood elevator
Slow down when you’re tired and let yourself take a break from the hectic pace. Make a commitment to do so each hour.
Listen to how rapid or calm your speaking as a cue to monitor yourself.
Ask others to help when they notice you’re stressed by someone or something.
Remember drama is usually present in all families; we are an imperfect collection of related human beings.