9 keys to having a healthy family dynamic

Would you like your family to be happier? Do you want to achieve a better coexistence and make everyone feel more satisfied? Take note of these tips to strengthen your core bonds.

To have a healthy family dynamic, it is necessary to take care of each bond like someone taking care of a work of art. Because each member is unique and valuable; Everyone deserves that recognition and treatment that makes it easier to feel free, but with common roots. Although there are always challenges in this context, the good news is that there are strategies to help.

Knowing how to communicate, respecting the personality of others and sharing quality time are indisputable pillars for family well-being.. Conflicts and disagreements are also factors that will be present at some point and, as such, you must know how to manage. Know, therefore, what tools are useful in these cases.

«Feelings of value can only flourish in an environment where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, where communication is open and rules are flexible. “That’s the kind of environment you find in a loving family.”

– Virginia Satir –

Strategies to have a healthy family dynamic

The general systems theory, proposed by the biologist and philosopher Karl Ludwig, contributes to understanding family dynamics. This approach points out that the dysfunctional behavior of a single person can affect the rest of the components of the system; Likewise, it says that these microsystems are governed by their particular internal rules and that these are not always healthy.

The point is that, many times, people get carried away by behaviors that, almost without realizing it, break the harmony and quality of the ties with their environment. A healthy family dynamic sustained over time requires putting into practice very precise skills.. Below, we describe them.

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1. Heal psychological problems

There are many men and women who build families without first addressing their emotional wounds or traumas.. This becomes a double-edged sword. Because several of these problems affect relationships and the way they communicate and treat those they love most.

Therefore, to improve the quality of the family unit, it is appropriate to start with oneself. You have to heal everything you carry in your personal backpack.

2. Good communication

Virgina Satir laid the foundations of family therapy. A basic pillar to achieve a healthy dynamic is what she called “having effective communication.” That is, the members of these social units contribute to the group when they are skilled at dialogue, listening and sending a message.

Research work, such as those carried out at the University of Sargodha, in Pakistan, highlights how good communication favors the satisfaction and development of adolescents. Thus, to improve this competence, it is pertinent to take into account the following:

Apply assertiveness. Respectful communication. Know how to listen to each other within the family group. Demonstrate a real interest in what the other person says.

The members of a family have unique personalities and characteristics that must be respected.

3. Respect and tolerance

To have a healthy family dynamic, authoritarianism must be avoided. It is important to understand that each member of that unit is unique, with their own personality and needs. Tolerating other people’s opinions, respecting the tastes and goals of others, creates an environment where you can allow yourself to be without fear.

Empathic and respectful communication is that key dimension in every family, important to take care of every day.

4. Share quality time

A family is not just a group of people living under the same home. It is a system in which dynamics are shared that reinforce the bond, enrich it and promote the happiness of that small social nucleus. Dedicating time is giving attention, it is being present for those you love and creating those memories that persist in emotional memory.

5. Emotional validation

Marsha Linehan, creator of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), calls emotional validation the “best aspirin.” It consists of letting the other person see that you understand and take into account what they feel. Few dimensions are so decisive if you want to build a healthy family dynamic.

Many needs and feelings will appear on a daily basis. It is essential to know that the family is able to understand and respect what you feel without judging or devaluing it.

6. Empathy

Are or were your parents empathetic figures? Is your partner? Do you perceive this competition in your children or siblings? Empathizing with the realities of others makes you a skilled figure from a social and also human perspective. Being able to feel for yourself what others feel promotes prosocial behaviors, understanding and support.

7. Problem and conflict resolution skills

Anyone who thinks that in the happiest families there are no conflicts and disagreements is wrong. Because in every social scenario, discrepancies, anger and problems occur that end up affecting everyone. It is necessary, therefore, that the members of a family system become skilled in problem solving. The keys that should be worked on in these cases are those listed below:

Improve communication. Know how to identify difficulties. Address problems without blaming anyone. Recognize one’s own virtues and defects. Provide possible solutions as a group. Know how to assess advantages and disadvantages in said proposals. Be able to apply changes to promote family well-being. .

Authoritarian families are the least healthy and unhappiest. They are environments where violent communication, domination and lack of respect reign. It is important to promote healthier, more empathetic and respectful family scenarios.

8. Know how to support

Support is the psychological sinew that strengthens a family, that keeps it healthy and enriches it. Every person goes through difficult times and knowing that your people are there to support you without judging is comforting.

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Remember that support is not always about being a savior or solving problems for others. Supporting is knowing how to be there without invading, giving what others need and not what you think they lack.

9. Agreed internal rules

Having a healthy family dynamic involves defining a series of norms, guidelines and internal rules. These can range from aspects as basic as what time to eat or also clarifying what is and is not permissible.

The limits are a reference for the behavior of each individual, since they perform a favorable informative task to constitute a good coexistence. It is always recommended that these guidelines be agreed upon.

Healthy and happy families share quality time.

The opportunity to create a family with healthy dynamics

Many people grow up in an unhealthy family environment. But life gives the opportunity to create your own core, it is the one you choose. Try to give your best in these cases, checking yourself first, healing wounds and being, at the same time, the best example for the little ones..

Family happiness is built consciously every day, appreciating the simplest things and taking care of what is most important: coexistence and respect for others.