You probably have heard the saying “it’s the little things that count.” When dealing with your family this could not be more true. The people who know you best will notice the little things that you do whether negative or positive. When you do even the littlest acts of kindness towards your parents or siblings they are noticed.
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Help out around the house. This does not mean that you have to clean the entire house. Take the time to do something extra that is normally not on your chore list. Is it your sister’s turn to empty the dishwasher? Empty it out and let her know that you did it simply because you wanted her to have a good day.
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Set a time to be home, and stick to it. This develops trust. Mom and Dad are more likely to be flexible if they can trust you to get home on time. If for some reason you’re going to be late, let your parents know. If your plans change, tell them. When you get home, don’t head straight for your room; talk to your parents.
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Keep your promises. Keeping promises not only shows a great deal of maturity and develops trust; it also shows how responsible you can be.
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Share your feelings. If they have to guess how you are feeling, it’s likely that they will guess wrong. Your family wants to know what is going on with you. Tell them about your struggles and accomplishments.
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Give out hugs and say I love you. Your parents and siblings might be surprised when you give them a hug or tell them that you love them but they will appreciate it.
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Admit mistakes and accept consequences. Sometimes things don’t go quite as you planned. Even if you did not mean for a situation to happen, sometimes it does. Admit when you are wrong, apologize, accept your consequence and make a plan of how you can do better in the future. This shows that you respect and care for the other person.
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Pray for your family. If a family member is struggling with something, let them know that you are praying for them, that you care about what they are going through.
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Attend Family Events. Does your family have a family game night? Do your best to be there. Do they eat dinner at your grandma’s house on Sundays? Make this a priority. Spending time together helps you and your family to understand and appreciate each other.
Adapted from
Who’s in the Mirror? Finding the Real Me, Ron Herron & Val J. Peter, Boys Town Press, 1998
