Communication

            Communication is one of the key factors in a successful family relationship. It is important for husbands and wives to communicate with one another. Also, it is necessary for parents to communicate to their children and children to their parents. Finally, children need to communicate with each other.
             Communication is more than a one-way discussion. When spouses talk to each other or parents talk to their children, communication is more than what one person is saying. Following the speaker's message, the hearer then responds. This may be done verbally or non-verbally. It is important for each person in the conversation to both speak and to listen. Just as husbands and wives want and expect their partners to listen to them, it is important for parents to listen to their children.
             Several factors are involved in effective communication in families. One area of importance is the honest sharing of feelings. These feelings can be either positive or negative. Sharing of feelings also involves considering the other person's feelings. This can involve thinking of the other person and phrasing statements in such a way as to not hurt the other person, but provide positive feedback. Even when having to relate information to a spouse or children that is negative, care can be taken to state the message in a way that will not be hurtful.
             When members of a family are in the habit of giving positive messages to each other, they will be more likely to hear each other when they have to discuss matters that may be unpleasant.
             When family members communicate with one another they should be specific in what they are trying to say. There should never be "game-playing" in which one family member expects the rest of the family to guess what he or she is thinking. Also, information should not be stated in a way that it is difficult for the hearer to understand what the speaker is really meaning. If a family member is communicating in a confusing way, a solution to this is for other family members to ask the person what they are thinking or what they are meaning.