Family Communication
Based on the book “The McMaster Model View of Healthy Family Functioning”, Family communication refers to the way verbal and non-verbal information is exchanged between family members. Communication involves the ability to pay attention to what others are thinking and feeling. In other words, an important part of communication is not just talking, but listening to what others have to say. Family communication is much more than just the exchange of words between family members. It is what we say, how we say it, why we say it, when we say it, and what we neglect to say (Epstein et al., 1993).
Communication within the family is extremely important because it enables members to express their needs, wants, and concerns to each …show more content…
It must be built on a foundation of trust, listening and understanding. The more effectively your family can communicate together, the better. It will keep you open to share thoughts and feelings, coax expression out of your children and foster a safe home environment in which all members of your family can feel comfortable and secure in their relationships. Marriage and family therapists often report that poor communication is a common complaint of families who are having difficulties (Epstein, 1993). Poor communication is unclear and indirect. It can lead to numerous family problems, including excessive family conflict, ineffective problem solving, lack of intimacy, and weak emotional …show more content…
They have identified four styles of family communication:
1. Clear and Direct Communication - communication is the most healthy form of communication and occurs when the message is stated plainly and directly to the appropriate family member. An example of this style of communication is when a father, disappointed about his son failing to complete his chore, states, "Son, I'm disappointed that you forgot to take out the trash today without my having to remind you" (Epstein et al., 1993).
2. Clear and Indirect Communication - In this second style of communication, the message is clear, but it is not directed to the person for whom it is intended. Using the previous example, the father might say, "It's disappointing when people forget to complete their chores." In this message the son may not know that his father is referring to him (Epstein et al.,
Based on the book “The McMaster Model View of Healthy Family Functioning”, Family communication refers to the way verbal and non-verbal information is exchanged between family members. Communication involves the ability to pay attention to what others are thinking and feeling. In other words, an important part of communication is not just talking, but listening to what others have to say. Family communication is much more than just the exchange of words between family members. It is what we say, how we say it, why we say it, when we say it, and what we neglect to say (Epstein et al., 1993).
Communication within the family is extremely important because it enables members to express their needs, wants, and concerns to each …show more content…
It must be built on a foundation of trust, listening and understanding. The more effectively your family can communicate together, the better. It will keep you open to share thoughts and feelings, coax expression out of your children and foster a safe home environment in which all members of your family can feel comfortable and secure in their relationships. Marriage and family therapists often report that poor communication is a common complaint of families who are having difficulties (Epstein, 1993). Poor communication is unclear and indirect. It can lead to numerous family problems, including excessive family conflict, ineffective problem solving, lack of intimacy, and weak emotional …show more content…
They have identified four styles of family communication:
1. Clear and Direct Communication - communication is the most healthy form of communication and occurs when the message is stated plainly and directly to the appropriate family member. An example of this style of communication is when a father, disappointed about his son failing to complete his chore, states, "Son, I'm disappointed that you forgot to take out the trash today without my having to remind you" (Epstein et al., 1993).
2. Clear and Indirect Communication - In this second style of communication, the message is clear, but it is not directed to the person for whom it is intended. Using the previous example, the father might say, "It's disappointing when people forget to complete their chores." In this message the son may not know that his father is referring to him (Epstein et al.,