Healthy, honest, frequent communication is widely considered to be the foundation of healthy relationships of all types. Families without it are likely to experience recurrent conflict as issues that arise may not be properly addressed and members of the family may not feel seen or heard. These are four common categories of behavior to watch out for.

PASSIVE – AGGRESSIVE TRAITS

Keeping secrets is another way to damage relationships and connection in the family. This may manifest as feelings of guilt, shame, wanting to be out of the house, suspicion, resentment stress and more.

If we are going to raise our children into self-aware, honest, wholehearted adults, we must begin by showing them how to communicate effectively and that begins with us leading by example.

Until next time,

Dr. Deborah L. Tillman