In the modern-day and age, it can be hard to try and keep your family together – as we go in search of our own happiness and meaning, we can grow apart more often than not. We do what we have to find ourselves and build something we’d like out of life, and that can mean we don’t see our family for very long periods of time!
But no matter where you are in life at the moment, your family is one of the most important things you have in the world. And because of that, it’s key to come up with some ways to keep them close to you – if not in proximity, then definitely in spirit! You should always be able to rely on your family and have them at the end of the phone at all times.
And if you’re feeling a little isolated from your nearest and dearest at the minute, we’ve got a bit of inspiration for you to look into below. Keep your family close, even if they’re people you’ve chosen to be your family, rather than being strictly related by blood to them!
Open Up a Group Chat
Just because technology may be partly responsible for how distant our family can seem towards each other doesn’t mean it’s completely evil! You can open up a group chat for all the family, to make sure you’re always keeping in touch on a platform you all use.
And when you’ve got an update that needs to be rolled out, such as a family member receiving a diagnosis, or simply your need for a few items from the shop, this is the place that’ll guarantee you get a response.
And group chats are easy to set up. Apps like WhatsApp are free to download and use, and your real phone number will be used in the chat, rather than a separate number or account being created for you. It’s extremely accessible, so if you don’t already have it on your phone, be sure to hit the App Store or Google Play store as soon as possible.
Take Holidays Together
Having a holiday with your family can be either the best thing in the world or one of the worst! Seeing as family members like to complain like no other, and yet you’re still the closest you ever can be to another human being, group holidays are worthy experiences all around!
It can be hard to get your family to all agree on something, but if you come up with a holiday routine, it’ll be easy to keep to it. Agree on a time and place, once or twice a year, to all book a hotel and have a good time together.
And if you’re tired of having to bring your family back and forth, taking holidays as and when you’re all available too, it might be worth looking into hiring a family immigration lawyer. Of course, this is a big step, but if you and your other family members are having trouble being apart, and spend more money and take too much time trying to visit each other on a regular basis, it might be worth it to look into making the move permanent.
Always Be Welcoming and Receptive
Above all else, just listen to your family! Because when you’re a good listener, and you’re always around to lend an ear to someone in need, your family members are always going to come to you.
They’re going to be happy to use you as a point of reference for whatever problems they’re going through, and they always think of you as being the best and first person to head to when trouble is on the horizon. And in the modern-day and age, a lot of problems can crop up on a daily basis!
So, whenever someone needs to talk, withhold any judgment, and always ask before giving advice of your own. You can listen and be receptive, sure, but not everyone is on the lookout for someone to put their two cents in. Make sure the person you’re talking to is looking for that from you!
Keeping your family close to each other can be quite tricky, and there’s no telling when you’re going to hear from a sister in law or your second cousin again. After all, we all have our own lives to lead, and we’re all busy. Use ideas like these to promote better communication amongst you.