Family. Can’t live with ‘em, can’t live without ‘em, right? I’m only joking, but sometimes it can feel this way! If you have ever found yourself asking “How important is it to have contact with your extended family?” Here’s the answer: it’s very important! Individuals with strong family relationships find more fulfillment in life and experience greater support when they need it. While it’s easier than ever to keep your family connected, it can be a challenge to make it a priority in your busy life.
Why should we keep in touch with your extended family?
The answer to this question may be a little different for everyone. Some people might feel pressure to stay in contact with family members, even though they don’t really want to. If this is your reason, it’s time to dig a little deeper and really look at your familial relationships. Take the time to determine what you want your relationships to look like, and how they can be a positive part of your life. Ultimately an important aspect of the “why” in family relationships is strengthening meaningful relationships and being there for the people you love the most. Sharing the good times and bad with family members gives life more meaning. At the end of the day, it’s the people surrounding you that makes the biggest difference in your life.
The way you interact with your extended family will be the example set for your kids and their relationships. You can help your kids strengthen their relationships with family by giving them opportunities to connect. This can look like setting up a GroupMe, available on Troomi phones with KidSmart™ Apps, as an easy and safe way for your child and their cousins to connect on what’s going on in their lives.
How do you keep in touch with your extended family members?
It may seem like a challenge to even stay in contact with your own family, let alone your extended family! When it comes to keeping in touch with extended family, think about the relationships that mean the most to you. If you come from a large family like I do, it would be really difficult to stay in contact with over 50 cousins! Unfortunately you will have to prioritize certain relationships, and talk to those you can when you can.
A great strategy is to use time on Sunday to call a family member or two. My husband and I always make time to call our parents and siblings every Sunday. Prioritizing this has made all the difference in our ability to stay connected, even though we live far away. Prioritizing these phone calls has helped us to remember the most important thing in life is our relationships.
What technology do you keep in touch with friends and family?
Technology has made staying connected with family so easy and accessible. What is an essential communication tool to keep in touch with family and friends? There are so many ways to easily talk to your family! Facetime is a great option for you iPhone people, but other free apps like Zoom, Skype, Facebook messenger, GroupMe, text, and a good old fashioned phone call are great options no matter your network!
It’s important to keep in mind that while technology easily connects us via social media, it’s easy to confuse “liking” pictures as building relationships. Social media likes and comments can give us a false sense of connectivity, which ultimately makes us feel more lonely. Keep in mind that the most positive and productive way for you and your kids to connect with family is through face-to-face conversation.
If you’ve been putting it off, here is your sign to pick up the phone and call your family! Staying connected with family members will bring more joy and fulfillment in your life. Spread the joy by helping your kids do the same. You’ll be so happy that you did.
