Who would say no to a strong and happy family? To be in one means having people who will unconditionally love and support you. This reason alone can help make every aspect of your life a lot easier. Yet in spite of that, it is quite common to see so many families with members who have grown apart or are in constant conflict.  Thankfully, science offers some insights into what it takes to build and nurture good relationships within a family. According to research, here are some factors that can help keep your family life harmonious and rewarding:

Establish Routines

Amidst the chaos and uncertainty in the world, it is nice to know that there is something constant you can rely on such as family. You can instill this wonderful truth to every family member by organizing home life in a way that people get accustomed to consistent events. You can do this by creating family rituals or routines such as following a daily schedule and eating together. One research study by the American Psychological Association supports this claim with the findings that routines and rituals give kids a sense of comfort and security that greatly helps them grow up to be well-adjusted adults. These rituals can also serve as the quality time that can help bring everyone closer to each other.

Aim for Emotional Flexibility

How do you respond to tough times and unexpected problems? It is important to know because your attitude is an important factor in determining the kind of relationships you would have. This is according to a study published in the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science.  Based on the findings, being emotionally flexible may be the secret trait you need to build satisfying relationships. It refers to the ability to bounce back from difficulties, maintain a positive mindset, and be open to embracing any possibility or challenge that life may bring. This research suggests that if you want to enjoy lasting relationships, you first want to follow a good mindset.

Invest in Experiences

To stay happy as a family, you have to be ready to do things that can contribute to the happiness of every person in the household. One misconception though is doing it by simply showering your spouse and kids with material gifts. However, 20-year research done by professors from Cornell University shows that instead of buying tangible items such as toys or jewelry, it is better to invest in experiences. They can be as grand as a family trip or as simple as strolling in the park. The important thing is creating beautiful memories together. These experiences will strengthen your family bond and will also serve as an opportunity to get to know and appreciate each other better.

Maintaining an enriching family life may require a lot of time and effort from you. However, it is also one of the most precious achievements you can have, making every bit of effort put towards family well worth it.