4 Smart Ways to Build Better Family Connections This Season
The holiday season is a time for families to come together and spend quality time with one another. However, for many families, the holidays can be a stressful and overwhelming time. Seeing extended family members that you don’t always get along with, combined with the hustle and bustle of shopping and holiday parties, can make it difficult to relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones.
We’ve probably all been there before. You’re sitting at the table during a Holiday dinner and your hands start to sweat. That familiar feeling of unease starts creeping up on us again. The setting can bring that out in even the most confident person.
But this year can be different.
Getting Closer to Your Family Was Never Easier
The knowledge app Blinkist has collected four books and their respective tips in a list to improve your family relationships this season for you. Chosen from more than 5,500 titles and 27 categories in their ever-expanding library of non-fiction novels, the smart recommendations come from experts in their fields. Whether you’re hoping to rebuild or regain a deeper bond, these tips can help you on that path.
–The United Nations
The best thing about it? Each explainer contains only the key insights and takes about 15 minutes to listen to or read. So whether you’re in the car, on your way to work or the dreaded family dinner, these short summaries can be fit into any schedule.
Want to know what you can expect? Here are four interesting things you can learn from the explainers on Blinkist.
1. Speak with Kindness and Respect
Nonviolent Communication
- 24 min reading time
- audio version available
In his book “Nonviolent Communication,” Dr. Marshall B. Rosenberg offers this advice: “If you want others to listen to you, communicate so that they will want to listen to you.”
When we speak to our loved ones from a place of kindness and respect, we make it more likely that they will reciprocate. So take a deep breath and remember that the goal is not to “win” an argument, but to connect with the people you care about.
2. Use “I” Statements
Raising a Secure Child
- 15 min reading time
- audio version available
When we focus on our own feelings and needs, we’re less likely to trigger defensiveness in others.
Dr. Kent Hoffman, author of “Raising a Secure Child,” recommends using “I” statements such as “I feel lonely when we’re not spending time together” or “I need more affection from you.” These statements express our needs without attacking or blaming the other person, which makes it more likely that they’ll be receptive to what we’re saying.
3. Listen without Judgment
Missing Each Other
- 24 min reading time
- audio version available
We’ve all been in arguments where we feel like we’re not being heard. But if we want our loved ones to really listen to us, we need to do the same for them. That means listening without judgment or interruption and trying to see things from their perspective.
Dr. Edward Brodkin, author of “Missing Each Other,” says that true listening requires “empathy, patience, [and] openness.” So next time you’re in an argument with a family member, take a step back and try to see things from their point of view. It might just help you find common ground.
4. Take the First Step
Daring Greatly
- 20 min reading time
- audio version available
It can be easy to put on a brave face and try to act like everything is okay. But what if we dared to be vulnerable instead? What if we allowed ourselves to be really seen?
Brené Brown, author of the book “Daring Greatly,” says that vulnerability is not a weakness. It’s actually the cornerstone of courage. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we open up the possibility for real connection. We create space for others to see us, and for us to see them. And that can make all the difference during the holidays. So this year, let’s dare to be vulnerable. It might just make the holidays more meaningful than ever before.
Learn how to Build Better Bonds in 15 Minutes or Less
Blinkist provides you with everything you need to become a better listener, partner, and friend.
The award-winning app helps you learn more about yourself and others by providing bite sized-summaries for non-fiction novels’ key insights in 15 minutes or less. With 27 categories to choose from and more than 5,500 books ranging from self-development, psychology, and philosophy, there’s something perfect waiting behind every corner.
Blinkist’s team of experts has a 10-year track record of helping 23 million people learn and apply new ideas without having to spend years of hard work.
–Hitha Palepu
Millions Are Getting Smarter Faster by Listening
Blinkist is the go-to app for busy people who want to grow personally and learn more for a reason. It’s now even easier than ever to fit reading into your busy schedule with the recently introduced audio function. Just queue up your books and listen at your convenience. Additionally, you can control the playback speed and save your progress so you can pick up where you left off.
With 70% of users opting for the audio function, it’s clear that this is a popular way to enjoy Blinkist’s vast selection of explainers. Simply click play and learn while commuting, working out, and cooking.
See What Blinkist Users Have to Say about the New Lessons They’ve Learned
Blinkist has been very well-received by users. To date, the app has received over 90K five-star ratings from Android and Apple users.
In fact, nearly 75% of all user ratings for Blinkist were five stars. Many users appreciate that their Blinkist learning journey can fit around their lives and make learning accessible when it’s convenient. Just look at what some users have had to say:
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– anonymous 5-star review
According to Apple, This Is One of the Best Apps in the World
But not only users enjoy the learning app. In addition to being named one of the best apps in the world by Apple, Blinkist has also been ranked in the top 20 apps for lifelong learning on the app store. It was also featured as the “App of the Day” on the App Store more than 500 times.
Next to Apple, Blinkist has received some of the highest honors, including awards from the UN for its contribution to the education field, and from Google, for its unique design. The app has also been praised by some of the biggest names in the industry, including Tim Cook who visited the employees in Berlin, as well as the New York Times.
Want to make your holiday season less difficult? Start by reading the easy-to-digest explainers recommended here. Remember: communication is key! Download the Blinkist app now and become a better you in 15 minutes or less.
Fun fact: you can also discuss these books with your family members. They can even listen to them for free on the Blinkist app if you share it with them.
