Blog: 9 ways to cultivate a gratifying family life

Investing time to plan and discuss family finances – Many families have broken-down due to poor financial planning. In the new world, spending takes prominence over saving. While every approach has its own merits, spending beyond means is a sure recipe for disaster. Children should be taught from a very small age that money is significant; not for its own sake but for what it can do for uplifting our lives. Taking time to discuss how to wisely use money, plan budgets, track expenses and alter spending habits accordingly would reap benefits in the long run.

Spending quality time on education of yourself and your family –   Family time need not focus only on entertainment. Education too can be part of it. They say there is something you can learn from the worst of circumstances too. So, imagine how much education is possible in the warm, caring and nurturing environment of a family. Learning new skills together, attending workshops or lectures of common interest and benefit, discussing books or nuances in your language etc can be educating while being entertaining.  

Receiving feedback in-order to learn and be a better parent and spouse- Parenting is a combination of discipline, affection, providing a feeling of security and displaying open-mindedness when it comes to accepting challenges or opinions of children. It is often forgotten by parents that giving that structure and direction to the life of children is way more important than being their ‘friend’; even if the approach is not appreciated by them at that point in time. You can help them and nurture them in finding good friends and hope that they would help each other in times of need.

When it comes to your spouse, the overriding sentiment should always be unconditional love and willingness to accept responsibility in times of conflict and acceptance of feedback when it comes from a space of care and concern.

Having fun with family – There is a perception that fun is always had with friends or colleagues. On the contrary, the best of fun should be reserved to be had with family. On an average two thirds of time of your life is spent with your family. It can be considered well spent only if the time you have with your people is fun. Hikes, travel, adventure sports, movie time, eating out days, cook outs, having common friends over, barbecues, karaoke nights…the list is endless. Family is the first aspect of your life that gets taken for granted and that is a grave mistake. When things get busy or tough, family time gets compromised as we forget their role of being your co passengers in the long journey of your life.

Taking complete responsibility for conflicts in the family – Any environment where humans interact will surely give rise to conflicts and conflicts test the strength of the relationships. It is shifting of blame and unwillingness to take responsibility for the part you may have played in causing the friction or escalating, that prolongs a resolution. If you own up your responsibility without reluctance, chances are that others too would do the same. In families it is of prime importance that you do not sleep with an unresolved fight. Mornings are for fresh beginnings and compassion. A regurgitation of a distasteful conflict is not what you should wake up to. ‘Own up, close out, move on’ is the best motto in conflict resolutions.

Have trust in the family to stand up for you – A loving family stands by you non withstanding your behavior towards them. This makes it doubly relevant for you to give them your best.  You can also seek help and support from family when in need. Family is where reciprocity has to be of the highest standards. The old adage of charity begins at home is very relevant for us now and always.

Practice 100 percent honesty with family – It is said ‘The one who avoids the conflict to keep the peace, starts a war inside himself’ Same goes with honesty and transparency with family. To avoid a fight or unpleasantness or even with just an intention not to spoil the good time we are having, we tend to either lie or not come clear about things. This eventually results in having a much bigger consequence later and festers mistrust among family members. As unpleasant as it may be, honesty is certainly the best policy. We all have been told at least once in life about the benefit of pulling the Band-Aid at one go rather than staring at it in fear for ever

Honor 100 percent of family commitments: Walking the talk is what earns respect. That applies to relationships inside and outside of the family. Only people who honor their commitments would be taken seriously by others. It is very easy to promise the moon and the sky when you are happy, but the true caliber of a person is in display when time comes to honor the same. A deadline at work should be considered as sacrosanct as a Parent Teacher Meeting you have committed to attend or a movie date with family. Both should be equally non-negotiable. It is not always financial implications that should decide your priority.

If you are looking for coaching help or mentorship in understanding the purpose of life or taking steps in the direction of finding it, do write to us at harish@harishrao.world and get to know how we can help you with it. We would love to work with you on this or any other business coaching needs you may have!