All family members, no matter how independent, have a direct or indirect effect on the family as a whole. Each family member is an individual, and has personal likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses. Family problems often begin to occur if one member refuses to recognize the necessity of working together in order to promote harmony within the family group. Communication is the key to establishing understanding and setting boundaries in any social relationship. Of course, being able to communicate doesn't mean a family will never have arguments. In fact, arguments, when constructive and focused, can be an instrumental form of communication. The important thing is to be open and honest with one another. Families can't resolve issues and differences unless they're first made apparent, and they can only be exposed through communication. However, establishing viable channels of communication can take a great deal of time and energy. Although conversations and discussions shouldn't be forced, it sometimes helps to set aside a specific time each week for open communication between all family members. For more information about family communication, consult a health care professional.
