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BUILDING FAMILY RELATIONAL CULTURE

Recalibrating to Improve Family Communication & Satisfaction: Starting Today!

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What is Family Relational Culture? 1

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  • “…a shared set of meanings, expectations, and rules of

interaction that contributes to creating a relatively

unique communication system”

(Wood, J.T., 2018, as cited in Gavin et al., 2019)

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  • It can be Recalibrated
  • It can be Functional or Dysfunctional
  • It can be various structures, and still successful
  • Relational Maintenance has Positive Outcomes

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1Galvin, K. M., Braithwaite, D. O., Schrodt, P., & Bylund, C. L. (2019). Family communication: Cohesion and change, tenth edition. Taylor and Francis. doi.org/10.4324/9781315228846

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Important Concepts to Keep in Mind1

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  • Positivity is Key!
  • Privacy is Important - Respect Boundaries!

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  • Accommodate Difference:

Communication Accommodation Theory

(Gavin et al., 2019, pp. 83-86)

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  • Cohesion through Storytelling
  • Recognize & Discuss Opposing Needs
  • Set a Plan, Discuss, Remain Flexible & Adaptable

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1Galvin, K. M., Braithwaite, D. O., Schrodt, P., & Bylund, C. L. (2019). Family communication: Cohesion and change, tenth edition. Taylor and Francis. doi.org/10.4324/9781315228846

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Finding Balance: Relational Maintenance1

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  • Relational Currencies
  • Appropriate Intimacy in Child vs. Parent Roles

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  • Emotional Support
  • Allow for Individual Development
  • Remove Stressors, Provide Resources
  • Expect Change – Allow Growth

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1Galvin, K. M., Braithwaite, D. O., Schrodt, P., & Bylund, C. L. (2019). Family communication: Cohesion and change, tenth edition. Taylor and Francis. doi.org/10.4324/9781315228846

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC

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Planning Recalibration

Review Family Dynamics

Identify what’s working.

Identify what needs improvement

Think of possible solutions

Step 1

Review

Family Meeting

Ask for Feedback

Identify Family Goals

Step 2

Talk

Agree to Specific Actions

Set Timeline

Step 3

Implement

Recalibrate often & When Changes Occur

Always Review

Step 4

Repeat Often

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Last Thoughts

  • Make Time for Storytelling
  • Start Family Meetings by Asking for A Story from Previous Months
  • Plan for Change Ahead, Emotional and Mentally
  • Document Family Wins/Memories
  • Reframe Complaints to Positive Language
  • Be Mindful!

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Recap

#1 Be Cognizant of Family Purpose (Emotional Support)

#2 Be Mindful of Individual Needs (Nurturing, Personal Growth, Relational Currencies)

#3 Maintain Appropriate Boundaries, Differentiate the Boundaries (Marital vs. Parent/Child)

#4 Prepare for and Acknowledge Family Changes, Developmental Changes

#5 Approach Conflict and Planning with Positivity, Communicate Positively

#6 Discuss Recalibration Plan with Family, Always Get Their Feedback

#7 Set Goals and Timelines for Next Recalibration

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THANK YOU

Melissa Murray

Candidate for MA, Communications

Eastern New Mexico University