In such a busy world, it can be challenging to stay connected with your family all the time. Even though we almost all have tablets, computers, mobile phones – it is still a strange time to feel connected to the people around us.
Each member of your family communicates in a different way and needs a different level of support too.
New members arrive and need time, energy to help them grow up well. Teenagers are going through several social issues and personal issues. Grandparents and great-grandparents are managing health issues, consumer-directed services, and enjoying seeing the expansion of the family.
Teenagers
Tumultuous, busy, peer pressure-filled, social media shaped, and often a bit secretive. Teenagers are going through a lot in a short few years.
Taking the time to really connect with them can be difficult because they naturally try to distance themselves from the family in order to find who they are.
Active listening can be an essential part of connecting well. Teenagers can flow between talking a million miles a minute to nothing at all.
Keeping pace takes a lot of energy, but it’s worth it to have a relationship with your teen that is based on respect.
Under 12s
The wild fire-crackers with huge friend groups, deep interests, and big personalities in little bodies.
Under 12s are fun, communicative, and have huge bundles of energy – it can be hard to keep up with them.
In the first few years, when speech and balance are slowly developed, toddlers can be loud and exhausting.
Yet from adults around them, they need space and support to explore those big emotions and how to manage them.
School days can be hard for children, as they learn that not everyone likes everyone. Friendships grow and change.
Listening and giving your time are essential.
Elderly
Health-focused, spending time with all of the different members of the family, and enjoying the years beyond work (if they’re lucky enough to be retired). Aging can come with a lot of issues with health. As the needs change, you can help your elderly family member to adjust.
TV volume, glasses, medication, taking care of insurance, talking about end-of-life wishes – all things that need to be considered. Having these conversations and finding out where you can help is essential.
The older members of families can feel lonely since their houses are no longer filled with other people. Making sure that you call to check in every other day and go round for a visit when possible.
If distance or circumstances are an issue, then you can set up a tablet to help facilitate video calls. This can help the distance between you feel less and is great for grandparents to see grandchildren.
Connecting with your family most often comes down to spending time and really listening, checking in, sharing news, and enjoying each other’s company as often as possible. While the modern world is very busy, making time for the people you love is essential.
