If you’ve decided that you want to be a kinder person, what better way to start than by being kinder to your family? Whether you live with them or you only see them once every few weeks, there are many ways that you can make a positive difference in their lives. With the help of technology too, it’s easy to stay in touch and help others no matter how far away they live.
1.Lend a listening ear
Everybody wants somebody who will listen to what they have to say. One of the ways we feel appreciated is by being listened to. This is particularly true if you know somebody in your family who is going through a tough time. Be prepared to listen, and not necessarily give advice unless asked.
2.Send a small gift
This is a great idea for those family members who live too far for you to visit on a regular basis. In order to feel like you’re maintaining contact and are still in touch with them, send a small gift every now and then just to remind them that you’re thinking about them. It doesn’t have to be expensive, and you can send it as an ad hoc gift, but it’s a lovely reminder that somebody is kind and caring.
3.Encourage open communication
The best way to make a change is to start with yourself. Openly communicate with your family, making a pledge to keep things transparent and open rather than behind closed doors or only between 2-3 family members (where possible, of course). By doing this, you’ll be able to encourage others to do the same, creating a friendlier and more open environment.
4.Eat together
As families grow older and more distance arises between individuals and among the family unit, eating together becomes somewhat of a novelty rather than a practice. Where possible, maintain the practice of eating together for a long as you can, and even when people have moved out and grown older, bring your family back together for a nice meal.
5.Spend time with each other
You don’t have to spend any money, or even leave the house. You can spend time with your family without doing anything besides just being in each other’s company. You can also spend time with your family over the phone or by video call if you don’t live close enough.
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