Getting Along

The family night activity is in full swing at the Pardo home in Santiago, Chile. The matchsticks are piled high on top of the soda pop bottle on the table. It’s 16-year-old Andrea’s turn, and all eyes are focused on her hand as it slowly, carefully reaches to place another matchstick on top of the precarious stack. Silence reigns.

“Careful!” 13-year-old Javier yells, startling everyone and nearly causing Andrea to knock over the swaying stack.

For a moment, it looks like Javier might be in trouble, but after catching her breath, Andrea joins in the laughter.

With nine people living under the same roof, there are bound to be some problems from time to time. No matter what your family is like, getting along isn’t always easy.

Francisco and Vivian and their children—Andrea, Francisco, Vivian, Javier, Sebastian, Elizabeth, and Augustin—recently took time to share what they do to strengthen their relationships.

Relationships Take Time

Make time for each other. Support your brothers and sisters at their games, events, or performances.
Eat as many meals together as you can.
Make family home evening a priority.
Dedicate a day per week to doing something as a family.
Cook, clean, pray, play, and laugh together.
Be spontaneous. When you find time together you hadn’t planned on, do something fun.

Relationships Take Communication

Make time to talk. Have family councils and parent-child interviews.
Study scriptures together. This can start great conversations.
Watching TV or movies together can be enjoyable, but it’s a poor substitute for interaction.
When there is friction, it may help if someone who isn’t involved acts as peacemaker.

Relationships Take Service

When one person has a problem, everyone shares it.
Find ways to serve each other, especially anyone you’re having problems with.
Find ways the family can serve together.
“For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?” (Mosiah 5:13).

Photograph by Matthew Reier; photograph of family by Adam C. Olson