3 Simple Steps To Make Your Family Happier

As parents, we all want to see our families happy and thriving.

However, in today's fast-paced world, it's so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life…and before you know it, eighteen years have gone by and your babies are thinking about moving out!

What simple steps can you take to create a happy and healthy home environment NOW?

Here are three simple actions we’ve consistently seen make families happier:

1 Make Time To Be With Your Family

‘Quality time.’

It’s a phrase we’ve all heard so many times, it’s difficult not to instantly check out mentally when you hear it! Let’s do a little switcheroo and call it ‘meaningful time’ instead.

Spending meaningful time with your family is crucial for building strong relationships and creating lasting memories. However, with parents and kids’ busy schedules, it can be challenging just finding time to spend together. Having a schedule can really help because you don’t have to constantly try to carve out time from a packed schedule - it’s already been carved out and scheduled!

Whether it's a weekly family game night or a monthly outing, make sure everyone in the family has the opportunity to participate. It doesn't need to be elaborate or expensive; the important thing is spending meaningful time together and enjoying each other's company.

If you're struggling to find ideas for family activities, consider asking your kids what they’d like to do. They might surprise you with their creativity and come up with fun, inexpensive activities that the whole family can enjoy.

2 Encourage Open Communication

Communication is vital to any healthy relationship, including those within a family. Encouraging open communication between family members can help create trust, respect, and understanding.

To encourage open communication, try to create a consistently safe and non-judgmental environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. Practice active listening and being respectful of each other's opinions, even if you don't always agree.

It's also important to communicate regularly, not just when there's a problem or issue that needs fixing. You can combine this regular communication with the meaningful time you spend with your family. Check in often with each other to see what's going on in each other’s lives.

3 Practice Self-Care

It might seem a bit odd to have an entire step to family happiness focused on YOU, but taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your family. When you're stressed and burnt out, it can be challenging to be a positive and supportive presence in your family's life.

Make self-care a priority by taking time for yourself each day. This could be as simple as going for a walk, reading a book, or taking a relaxing bath. Make sure to also prioritize your physical health by getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly.

Showing your kids that self-care is important and teaching them how to do it is also vital. When they see you taking care of yourself, they'll learn the importance of prioritizing their own well-being.

Creating a happier and healthier family environment takes effort and intentionality. But by applying the above suggestions consistently, you can help create a positive and supportive home environment where everyone can thrive. Remember, small steps can lead to big changes!

If you’re looking for a family therapist who can support your family, InTune Family Counseling can help. We provide virtual therapy and in-person family therapy in Santa Rosa, CA, along with the surrounding areas in Sonoma County.

You and your family are important to us!

Get in touch with us today to find out how counseling can help your teenager and your family.