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Improving Family Communication During Lockdown

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By Josh


First of all, Happy Mental Health Awareness Week. For many this is the hardest Mental Health Awareness Week they've ever faced. Social isolation, loneliness, anxiety, depression - these are some of the challenges that people are facing.

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For a lot of us, we've gone home to our families and this means that you have the opportunity to be closer than ever with your support network. 

So how can you make the most of this situation? Family is a massively important part of our lives and that's why communication is so important. 

Remove Distractions 

Before you try and engage in conversation, get rid of any and all distractions. Modern times are dictated by notifications, messages and updates.
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Get these out of the way, turn the TV off and actually have a conversation with those closest to you. 

 Pay Attention
Only 10% of our communication is verbal - 90% of what we say comes from what we don't say. It's not just about paying attention to the body language of others - think about your body language. Face your relatives, lean in, make eye contact and show that you're listening! People are far more likely to want to talk to you if you show you're willing to have a conversation.
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Be an Engaging Listener 
There are two types of listening - passive and active. Passive listening is expressed through body language and rarely engaging with phrases like "oh yeah" and "I see". Active listening involves a back and forth using perception checking ("It sounds like") and paraphrasing ("So you think"). Don't just wait for your turn to talk.
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Take Ownership
Remember to take ownership of your feelings an opinions, especially when discussing negative feelings! It is important to realise that these are your personal feelings and thoughts so using "I-Phrases" ("I feel" , "I think" etc.). Taking "You" out of the conversation stops the other person feeling defensive and allows you to discuss your feelings in a calm, productive manner. 

Ask Interesting Questions 

Finally, there is no better way to show your interest in a conversation than to as engaging and interesting conversations. This will show thoughtfulness and attentiveness - it will also engage the other person when you ask them questions about their interests and personal lives. With family it may feel like you know everything about them so maybe look for new topics of interest.
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