I always envisioned my house to be filled with happy kids running around having a good time. And I am chatting with my husband who thinks I am amazing at everything. My house looks like something from a movie with perfect family harmony.
The reality is my kids are usually running around, but end up in tears because someone was playing too rough or they forgot to use their brakes. My husband doesn’t actually think I am amazing at everything. And my house does not look like a movie.
We have our moments when we have conflict. But I have learned that conflicts are a natural part of family life. They can even be beneficial when handled constructively.
On the other hand, a family that knows how to express love and pulls together has its advantages. You enjoy more peace and happiness and you feel gratified knowing that your children are learning how to thrive as adults.
You can experience greater family harmony starting today. Use these ideas to create an enviroment of appreciation and cooperation in your home.
Spending time together as a family
Spending time together as a family is important to developing family harmony. Here are some ideas that you can incorporate to have my family time.
Eat together as a family
Strong family relationships require time and effort. Mealtimes are an ideal opportunity for staying in touch and sharing in-depth conversation. As a bonus, you’ll probably eat healthier too.
Make it a habit to sit at the table together as much as you can. It is harder to have conversations when your kids are eating while watching tv.
Connect individually with your husband and kids
In addition to family dinners and outings, schedule one-on-one time with your husband and each of your children.
This is something that I have struggled with in the past. But I noticed a huge difference in my marriage when he spent time together without the kids.
If possible, try to leave home for a date night at least once a week.
Do the same for your little ones. You don’t have to do an elaborate activity or lots spend money. Trust me. There are free and cheap things that your kids will have a blast doing.
Stay active and get out
If you’re like many families, you may be texting or watching TV even when you’re in the same room.
Put aside the passive entertainment to go ride your bikes or visit the gym.
My little ones love to play with bubbles and water the garden. Because of the almost year-round warm weather in Florida, it is easy to find a reason to get outside.
Have fun together
Make family gatherings and activities something everyone looks forward to.
Try to consider everyone’s interests when you’re planning vacations or holiday parties. This will definitely make it so that everyone is excited about the next family event.
Improve your communication
Having great communication amongst your husband and kids makes for great family harmony. But if you are still working on improving your communication, here are some helpful tips.
Listen closely
Give your family members your full attention when they have something to say.
I know it can be hard when you are trying to conduct business on your cell phone. But put it away and give your little one your full attention.
Keep an open mind and resist the urge to interrupt. Being a great listener shows that you care and respect what your little one has to say.
Use questions and gestures to show that you’re engaged.
Provide validation
You can acknowledge each other’s feelings even when you disagree.
Let your husband and children know that you care about their concerns and share your own similar experiences when appropriate.
Seek balance
While some family members are bound to have more power than others, you can still work at treating each individual fairly.
Give children choices and ask for their input as much as possible. For example, you can ask your little one if they want pancakes or cereal for breakfast.
Even though they know that you are in charge, they will feel like they contribute. This helps when tantrums are a result of power struggles at home.
Offer praise
Appreciate the unique strengths and abilities of each family member.
Encourage your husband to talk about their accomplishments at work or with their hobbies.
Tell your children that you’re proud of them when they complete their homework or share their toys without prompting.
Teach skills
Show your children how to resolve conflicts and talk about sensitive subjects.
Provide a positive role model and use techniques like role playing or watching and discussing instructional videos.
More Ideas
If you need more ideas for family fun to increase family harmony, here are a few more.
Create rituals
Holiday traditions and nightly bedtime stories encourage strong bonds. Develop your own practices that will reinforce your family values and give you a sense of belonging.
Do your share
Families flourish when each member contributes generously.
Let your children know what a big difference it makes when they do their chores and watch out for their younger siblings.
Divide up responsibilities with your partner based on your talents and goals.
Plan and prepare
Sometimes you can anticipate events that may be challenging for your family to handle.
Plan ahead and set some ground rules for how you’ll deal with visits from your in-laws or the first time your teen arrives home long after their curfew.
Consider counseling
Maybe you feel like you need more help, or you think an outside perspective could shed light on a recurring issue.
Family counseling could reveal new options and give you additional tools for dealing with difficult situations.
You can change your family dynamics.
Replace tension and arguments with collaboration and respectful conversation.
A nurturing home environment creates peace and harmony.
This post is a part of the series 31 Days of Parenting Tips for Busy Moms With Young Kids. Each day throughout the series I am discussing a different topic regarding parenting young kids. I’d love for you to follow along and share this series with moms who may need some support or just to hear that they aren’t alone in their journey of raising young kids.
Find all of the posts in one place on the series homepage: 31 Days of Parenting Tips for Busy Moms With Young Kids
