Just say it!

Direct, clear, open and honest communication is a hallmark sign of healthy families.  Being able to share hopes, dreams, concerns and thoughts is important.  Dealing with anger and conflict is imperative. Relationships are built on healthy communication, so it is no surprise that communication breakdowns and  failure to understand each other are often a primary reason that couples and families seek therapy. 

But, you can build in protective factors for your family, by strengthening the quality of your communication.  Communication is such an important area of family life, it clearly wins a space in our line-up of 10 top resolutions for 2010.  Working on more healthy communication will serve your family well in 2010 and beyond.

If your family has been a bit lax in the communication department, have no fear.   There is no time like the present to start to change old, unhealthy patterns and replace them with more functional and productive ways of interacting. 

If you find yourself needing a little extra support to help your family along, the following resources are highly recommended.

1.  Communicate better with your kids.

2.  Communicate better in your relationships.

If you are looking for a way to help your kids open up and share more than, "yeah", "uh-huh", "I Dunn"....look no further than "What Sherlock Holmes can teach us about parenting" and "Getting your kids to open up at the dinner table with 'high-point/low-point' ".