Family ties

A couple days ago I wrote a short list of a few things I feel should be more (or less) prevalent in society and you can see it here if you would like. A few commenters added some of their own things to the list which was cool, and while I understand that different cultures have different acceptable behaviours and tolerances I feel like pretty much everything on the list I are relevant to all humans, generally.

I've been thinking about a similar concept in the last few days - things that I feel should apply to families right now that would help them pull closer together.

What's acceptable to the family unit is dependent on a few things like socio-economic and cultural factors, age and make up of the family unit, whether it's a blended family, large or small, and other such things but in a world where ( I think) the family unit feels somewhat fractured (certainly when compared to the past) and less cohesive I think most of the things below could fit any family in modern society and would be of benefit to help draw it closer together.

So, here's a little list:

• Show affection regularly and through actions, gestures and words
• Take the time to share a positive thing each day with another family member
• It's everyone's responsibility to maintain cleanliness and tidiness in shared spaces
• Greet each other each morning with kindness and warmth, it starts the day off right
• Celebrate together, the small achievements and milestones as well, not just the large
• Don't railroad others, give each family member an opportunity to express themselves
• Don't criticise, instead, offer constructive feedback and dialogues - Even when arguing
• Allow each member to have their own space, private time, and respect those moments
• Always apologise for wrongdoings when required, saying sorry is a show respect and care
• Be courteous because doing so becomes a habit that will extend to others outside the family unit
• Give everyone a chance to choose the movie or TV show, select the game to play or activity to do
• Eat meals together regularly with no TV and no mobile phones - converse and connect instead
• Be willing to help without being asked and make a family member's day easier where possible
• Be fair and equitable with the distribution of chores so that everyone shares the workload
• Celebrate each family member's individuality even though it may not align with your own
• Be honest and forthright, but not destructive with opinions and thoughts towards others

These items are far from everything a family unit should or should not be doing but I think it's a good start and with some additions that are specific and unique to each family I think it's a good set of guidelines for any family to work towards. I don't know what holds families together, it's different for each one, but I know that families that are more closely bonded, that are more together, will be happier than those that are not.

Would you add any to this list and if so what and why? Feel free to comment with your items below or simply to comment generally.