Communication plays a significant role in all settings, from academia to business as well as casual, platonic, and familial relationships. When it comes to family, being able to express concerns, share feelings, and generally communicate with one another improves relationships, fosters trust, and helps to create a warm, safe home.
Instrumental & Affective
There are two primary kinds of communication: instrumental and affective. Instrumental communication refers to the exchange of factual information between individuals; sharing objective updates on meal times and after-school activities falls into this category. Affective communication is inherently more subjective as it entails the sharing of emotions; a child expressing anger at being unable to participate in a team sport, for instance, could be categorized as affective.
Both forms of communication are essential for cultivating an atmosphere of openness for your family. Being honest with one another is important when striving for an environment where everyone feels comfortable being truthful; likewise, being comfortable with sharing how something makes one feel is also important when fostering a home based on support and empathy.
Life Skills
Oral and written communication skills are often regarded as essential for any field, industry, or life path. Beyond these skills, however, promoting communication within the family can encourage the development of other integral practices. Having a space where children can openly and honestly express themselves shows them that their thoughts, ideas, and interests are valued; consequently, individuals raised in such environments tend to have higher self-esteem than those who have fewer opportunities to be open.
Communication goes both ways; while speaking in productive, open ways is beneficial for development and relationship building, learning how to listen to others is a complementary skill that is similarly essential. Listening is an important skill that often cannot be taught in a traditional fashion, but promoting equal communication and instilling values of empathy and consideration in children from a young age can help them become great active listeners.
Bonds
When raising a family, creating strong bonds can enhance relationships and improve overall happiness. Effective communication promotes trust and helps family members grow closer. Rather than forcing individuals to isolate themselves and seek solutions to their problems on their own, encouraging communication can help individuals feel less alone and better supported.
In professional settings, communication is highly regarded as an essential skill. Among family members, this importance is significant, as well. Encouraging open communication in your family benefits everyone by creating a tight-knit network of reliable, empathetic individuals and aiding in the development of necessary life skills.