Imagine your family as a team, working together toward a common goal. The key to any successful team is communication. Family talks are the practice sessions that help everyone play their part well. You’re the leader of these discussions. You’re not just talking—you’re building a stronger, more connected family.
Research shows that families who communicate openly are more likely to have healthier relationships. Children in families that regularly discuss their feelings and experiences tend to have lower levels of anxiety and depression. These simple conversations can make your family’s bond unbreakable.
As the leader of these discussions, you’re like a coach guiding your team through challenges. Sometimes, the conversations will be easy and fun, like playing a game together. Other times, they may be difficult, like facing a tough opponent. But every discussion is an opportunity to learn, grow, and strengthen your family’s unity.
Families who regularly discuss create a strong foundation for their children.
Families who discuss together share thoughts together.
Children sharing their thoughts means:
- Chatting about their day.
- Talking through their challenges.
- Airing their problems.
- Addressing their wants
- Sharing their inner thoughts.
- Asking for advice.
Parents as Discussion Leaders Help the Family:
- Feel safe to share what they really think.
- Share their inner selves and how they feel.
- Sense a closeness that strengthens them.
Role-play This Three Scene Story for Fun:
- One member plays Leah who’s very shy.
- Another member plays Sara who talks too much.
- They are walking home from school. Sara is blabbing about something that happened that day.
- Leah wants Sara to listen but she’s afraid to tell her because Sara is her only friend.
- Leah wants Sara to listen but is too shy to tell her
Three Scenes:
- Leah is whispering to your family what she’s really thinking.
- Leah doesn’t know how to tell Sara to listen, so she yells at Sara. Sara responds.
- Now Leah is telling Sara to listen but kindly. Sara responds.
Have your family discuss what each member would do if they were shy and had a talkative friend. Does this help your children with empathy for shy kids?
Remember, your role isn’t to solve every problem or have all the answers. It’s to be there, listening and encouraging your family to share, be kind, empathic, and think. Your presence and attention are what matter most. So, gather your team, start those conversations, use role-plays, and watch your family grow closer with every word shared.
~ With my thanks to Jean Tracy, MSS