Family communication differs from other forms merely because it is attached to the growth of a family unit as a whole. Verbal and non-verbal information is exchanged daily and being able to pay attention to what others are thinking and feeling is key to maintaining a healthy environment where family members can express their needs, wants and concerns. The family unit has the power to create an atmosphere of love and openness where each member can openly express their differences as well as their love and appreciation for each other.

Just as effective, open communication is almost always found in the homes of healthy families, poor communication is typically found in unhealthy family relationships. Therapists have often reported that poor communication is a common complaint in families having difficulty. It can lead to weak bonding between family members, excessive conflict and inability to problem solve.

There are many ways for families to become more effective in their communication skills and to improve the quality and satisfaction of their home lives.

• Frequent communication: Families who spend time together are more likely to engage in meaningful conversation with each other. In our busy lifestyles, we sometimes forget that lack of time together can create an additional set of family conflicts. Talk in the car, eat dinner together or schedule family meeting times so you can spend the time needed to practice your communication skills.
• Clear communication: When attempting to resolve a family conflict, indirect or vague communication will only contribute to the problem and frustrate other family members. Use clear language and express your thoughts and feelings directly.
• Listen: In order for effective communication to take place within families, individual family members must be open and honest with one another. This openness and honesty will set the stage for trusting relationships. Without trust, families cannot build strong relationships. Parents, especially, are responsible for providing a safe environment that allows family members to openly express their thoughts and feelings.
• Non-verbal cues: In addition to listening, communication has a set of non-verbal cues, or body language, which can give you clues to how a person might be feeling. Even if their words say one thing, their facial expression or body movement may be telling you something completely different and it is important to address these conflicting displays.

Just like with any relationship, building a positive relationship between parent and child, siblings and spouses requires work and effort to make it strong and successful. Maintaining close relationships and open communications helps to ensure parents and their children stay connected through all ages of their upbringing. The most effective way to help your relationships grow and remain intact is to face them together. If you find yourself in a sticky situation, talk to each other. Your family members may be feeling the same tension or miscommunication and working through it together as a cohesive unit will promote a much healthier and open relationship between all family members.

Always make time for every member in your family. It can be easy to neglect one another when all of the daily stresses and pressures find their way into your life; by setting aside some special time for everyone you won't lose relationships you have build with each other. Make sure to ask your family members questions about their daily activities, this is a simple way to keep the lines of communication open and establish healthy relationships.