ng but also listening. A key part of successful communication is developing the ability to focus on what others are thinking and feeling.
Open and honest communication is critical to creating and maintaining an atmosphere that encourages all family members to express their differences in addition to their love for one another. Sound family communication is also the most effective means for allowing family members to resolve the inescapable problems that are manifested in all families. Noller and Fitzpatrick (1990, p. 832) maintain there is a ôstrong linkö between communication patterns and satisfaction in family relationships. In strong, healthy families, effective communication is typically a common characteristic. Sound communication is clear and direct in contrast to the unclear and indirect nature of communication when communication is poor. Poor communication can lead to a host of family dysfunctions, including increased conflict, lack of problem resolution skills, loss of intimacy, and weak emotional bonds.
The literature makes it quite evident that poor communication can lead to divorce, marital discord, child delinquency and other negative developments. As the pace of life continues to be faster, it is often problematic for family members to find time to share feelings and emotions with other family members. With many families being mobile or living apart and with family members living together having busy schedules that makes it difficult to spend time communicating, the need for effective and quality communication is even more critical in order to create strong emotional bonds between family members in a healthy manner. Communication is important at all stages of the family life-cycle, from newly married couples with infants to older couples whose children are in high school, college, or even fully grown adults. The American Academy of Pediatrics maintains that family communication is a two-way bridge that be...