Getting leisure time for family is one of a serious social challenge now a day. 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. Effective communication is an important characteristic of strong relations among family members. Research identifies communication is an essential building block for marital, parent-child, and sibling relationships.

Communication Gap within the family is extremely important because it enables members to express their needs, wants, and concerns to each other. Open discussion among family members to express their love, grief and sentiments for each other; is a healthy sign to strengthen their relations. Communication among family members is the only helping tool that can resolve many family disputes and problems effectively. Kids observed their parents and elders that they argue in healthy ways and resolve all their family issues wisely; so they have a great lesson about social behaviour to learn.

Communication Gap

Researchers at Cornell University identified that if families eat a meal together at least three times weekly, they can promote healthy discussion. Children whose families engage in this important communication ritual are more likely to enjoy the additional benefits of improved academic success and greater psychological well-being. Additionally, family communication plays a vital role in the physical and mental development of children, teenagers, and adults.

While Lack of communication affects the whole personality of the human being and even it impact on the personal, professional and social life of an individual. The lack of time for family members is invariably a reason that leads to communication gap. This communication gap can lead your child to delay in language learning. Lack of communication within family leads to undesirable outcomes like depression, loneliness, anxiety, low self-esteem and many other social and behavioural problems.

Smartphones and gadgets are chiefly responsible for the communication gap between children and their parents. The internet is getting more advanced as well, with the creation of social networking sites and online games etc., children are spending more time by using the internet and social media, rather than spending time with their family. Repeated criticism can also leave emotional scars and a child can develop resentment towards their parent which can continue on through the teenage years.

Another, major reason for lack of communication within the family is lack of time, the time spent with family is getting lesser. Sometimes children often feel that they have a generation gap with the oldies as they feel that their parents’ way of thinking and lifestyle are completely different from them. To them, there seems to be an invisible wall between them and their parents which prevents them from interacting and communicating their parents.

There are no technical solutions to resolve this problem. If you want to resolve the problem and be at peace then both the parties must be willing to solve the problem. Family members should often discuss openly about their daily routines and problems. This activity not only creates strong bonding but also opens the doors for understanding. They should purposely spend time with each other whenever they are free. This activity creates emotional bondage very quickly. Family members should develop qualities like active listening skills, kindness and appreciation to reduce the communication gap.  Friendly behaviour with family members will not only reduce communication gap but it will help to create a peaceful environment.