Pointers on ImprovingFamily Relationships

By Blaine Bartel

3 Things You Must Tell Your ParentsCommunication is the key to victory in any kind of

relationship. Great companies, great armies, great sports teams, and of course, great homes all have one thing in common: they have learned to communicate effectively to one another.

Communication is not talking; it is listening, observing, studying, and finally, speaking People who only know how to talk are not talking.

In opening up good communication with your parents, there are 3 things you must always tell them:

3 Things You Must Tell Your Parents1. Tell them when you need help.• It may be in school, a relationship, or a job, if you need

help and guidance, let them know. Part of your parents; job is to help you get through tough times.

3 Things You Must Tell Your Parents2. Tell them when you’ve made a mistake.• It might be easier at the time to just try to cover it up,

but that will not only help you to not make the same mistake again it will also earn you big points in the “trust” quest.

3 Things You Must Tell Your Parents3. Tell them you love and appreciate them.• Sure, there’s no such thing as a perfect parent, but

most of all parents have made a very significant investment of time, energy, and money in their children. Regularly let them know you love them, even if they don’t always show the same love in return.

2 Things You Must Never Tell Your Parents1. Never tell your parents you hate them.• You may disagree, be annoyed, or become a little

irritated, but the word “hate” is a terrible word that can break the spirit and will of the strongest person. Take it out of your vocabulary.

2 Things You Must Never Tell Your Parents• 2. Never tell your parent you wish you weren’t born.• Maybe life has been hard, perhaps you haven’t had the

breaks that other kids in your school have enjoyed. But remember this; you are here for a purpose. Oftentimes, kids who rise above difficult upbringing become a great success because of things they learned.

4 Keys to Communicating Well• Have you ever gotten frustrated that somebody didn’t

understand your side of the argument? Perhaps it was a result of not clearly and effectively communicating your point. Keep in mind that communication is not a direct, one-time action, it is a process.

4 Keys to Communicating Well• 1. Think about things from the other person’s

perspective.• This will help you to understand what they are going

through, enabling you to respond more effectively, with an open mind. #Empathy

4 Keys to Communicating Well2. Write down your point or opinion in one sentence.• If you can’t put it in one sentence, you will never make

a convincing case for what you believe.• Also, seeing your words written down will make you

perceive it differently, same as hearing your message from somebody else. This way you can see just how little or big of a deal the issue is.

4 Keys to Communicating Well3. Listen carefully to what the other person is saying.• You may learn something that you did not know, which

could change everything.

4 Keys to Communicating Well4. Stay calm.• Don’t cloud your message with outbursts and tirades f

anger or emotion. Your point may be a good one, but you can lose the day with your attitude.

3 Secrets of a Good Listener• In the book of James 1:19 it is said that we should “be

quick to listen; slow to speak.” • Unfortunately, many people are just the opposite, being

quick to speak out and slow in paying attention. When you take the time to listen to somebody, you are showing that you care and have respect for what they think. It will cement your relationship with that person. What does it take to be a good listener?

3 Secrets of a Good Listener1. Look into the eye of the person you are listening to.• This, more than anything, says “I really do care about

what you say.” We also believe that the “eyes are the window to the soul”, as it expresses emotions words fail to convey sometimes.

2. Think about the point or concern you are making.• Don’t rehearse a rebuttal in your mind before you’ve

fully caught all that they are communicating.3. Repeat back a brief synopsis of what they just told you.

3 Secrets of a Good Listener• 2. Think about the point or concern you are making.• Don’t rehearse a rebuttal in your mind before you’ve

fully caught all that they are communicating.