A family is a system. The system consists of all of the relationships within the family. It also consists of the family unit as a whole. Imbalance in any part of the system can lead to unhappiness throughout the family.

Therefore, it’s important to nourish each of these relationships to build family harmony.

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Parents must take time to connect with one another. They should connect individually and together with each child. They should also encourage connections between children.

Strengthening each bond within the family strengthens the family unit. Time spent together as a family further solidifies the bonds.

What are some practical ways this can be done?

1. Nurture the Bond Between Parents

Parents set the model for the rest of the family. When they have a solid relationship with strong communication skills, the rest of the family follows suit.

Parents, you can take time for date nights or take vacations alone together. And when things are tough, you can go to therapy to work it out.

2. Include Co-Parents in The Conversations

In modern families, there is often more than one set of parents. There may be step-parents and other guardians helping to raise children.

So, work on co-parenting together to strengthen family harmony in everyone’s household. It’s not easy, but it’s worth the effort.

3. Have 1-on-1 Time with Children

Each parent should set aside special time for each child. This gives the child the necessary attention from both parents.

You can spend this time doing things that the child enjoys. This shows the child that each parent values their interests. It also opens up the channels of communication.

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4. Encourage Activities that Promote Cooperation Among Children

Siblings can be a terrific support for one another throughout their lives. However, as children, they may feel like they are in competition with one another.

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5. Make Time for Family Time

Therefore, engage in structured activities that foster cooperation between them. For example, play games in teams with kids against parents.

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Family harmony doesn’t happen overnight. It happens in increments as families spend time together. There are many ways families make this time.

For example:

• Enjoy no-tech family meals together. The Family Dinner Project has found that this improves physical, mental and emotional health. Turn off devices. Take time to really talk and listen to one another. Aim for five meals together weekly. That said, do what works with your family schedule.
• Read together as a family. When kids are little, parents might read aloud to them. As they get older, children can take turns reading aloud. Teens may balk at participating. However, the memories made together will last a lifetime.
• Schedule daily family walks. A short ten-minute walk each day adds up to an hour of family time if you do it six days per week. Sprinkle in hikes and bike rides when you can make more time.
• Learn and teach one another. Each family member knows how to do something unique. Schedule one day per week or month for a family lesson. This is a great way to show interest in each other’s passions. In turn, this shows respect for one another.
• Establish family traditions for big and small holidays. Most families have traditions for big holidays. Co-create new ones for smaller holidays. Do a Valentine’s Day treasure hunt. Visit your local VA together on Veteran’s Day. Another option is to have a picnic every Labor Day. Some families even use an online calendar to learn about “unusual holidays”. Then they celebrate National Tell a Joke Day or International Bacon Day.
• Find ways to laugh together. Those silly holidays are just one way a family can lighten up their lives. Others can be: watching comedies, reading joke books, or playing Charades. When families laugh together, they bond—and family harmony increases.

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Of course, family therapy is also an avenue that can help you learn how to nurture your relationships, draw close together, and promote family harmony. If you would like to know more about my approach to family therapy, please contact me.