FAMILY

Coping With the Clan

You can choose your friends but you can't choose your FAMILY.

Blood is thicker than water

So, instead of feeling frustrated about the way your family members are, why don't you make an attempt at understanding them? You'll need their support when it matters most!

Do your part in making family life happy!

Communicate and discuss your feelings openly and honestly. Tell them that you are doing so because you respect them

Give and take. Let your sister have the last packet of potato chips - let your dad watch the TV show he wants.

Respect every member of your family. Listen to their ideas and opinions.

Remember

With mutual consideration and understanding, your family will be able to provide you with the loving, encouraging and compassionate environment that you need in your growing years.

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Q: My family members and I are not very close, but I would like to have a better relationship with them. How can this be achieved?

Talk! Don't keep your thoughts and feelings to yourself. Always remember to keep the communication lines open. Open up to your family members and be honest with them. Try different ways to communicate to them. An understanding can only be reached when you communicate and discuss your feelings openly with them. Engage in frequent 2-way communication lines between your family and yourself and remember to respect every single member of your family.