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Non-Violent Communication

How to Strengthen Harmony in Your Family

Discover the Transformative Power of Nonviolent Communication

Experience how Nonviolent Communication can enrich and harmonize family life. Learn how to create deeper connections through empathetic dialogues.

In today’s fast-paced world, effective communication is more important than ever – especially within the family. Misunderstandings and conflicts can arise even in the most loving households, often leading to tension and distance. Nonviolent Communication (NVC), an empathetic approach developed by psychologist Marshall Rosenberg, offers you and your family a powerful tool to foster understanding, harmony, and connection.

Strengthen Your Family Relationships

Start Your Journey to Harmony

Start now and discover the benefits of Nonviolent Communication for you and your family. During the Family Retreats in Portugal, you’ll not only learn surfing, yoga, and participate in inspiring workshops but also experience the magic of Nonviolent Communication.

This is how NVC works

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is an effective method to foster empathy and understanding in interpersonal relationships. It consists of four essential steps:

1. Oberservation:

Describe objectively what you perceive, without evaluating or interpreting. For example: “I noticed that the window is open.”

2. Feelings:

Share how you feel as a result of the observation. For example: “I feel uncomfortable because it’s cold.”

3. Needs:

Explain the underlying need. For example: “I have the need for warmth.”

4. Request:

Make a clear request that involves the other person in the solution. For example: “Could you please close the window?”

Practical Tips for Implementing NVC (Nonviolent Communication)

Step 1

Start with yourself: Be a role model by practicing self-awareness and self-compassion.

Step 2

Use “I” statements: Replace accusations with clear, personal statements.

Step 3

Listen actively: Show genuine interest and paraphrase to demonstrate understanding.

An Example of NVC in Practice

Imagine your teenager is upset about a curfew. Instead of getting into an argument, you could use NVC to clarify the situation: Observation: “I noticed that you were upset when we talked about the curfew.” Feeling: “Are you feeling frustrated?” Need: “Do you need more independence and trust?” Request: “Would you be willing to share your thoughts on a curfew that feels fair to both of us?” This approach creates an open dialogue where both parents and teenagers feel heard and valued.

Practical Tips for Implementing NVC in the Family

Start with yourself: Be a role model for Nonviolent Communication by practicing self-awareness and self-compassion. Reflect on your own feelings and needs before starting a conversation. Use “I” statements: Replace accusations with “I” statements. For example: “I feel sad when the house is messy because I need order,” instead of: “You never clean up!” Listen actively: Show genuine interest in what others are saying. Repeat or paraphrase their words to ensure you understand, e.g., “It sounds like you’re frustrated because you want more free time. Is that right?” Focus on needs: Identify and address the needs behind emotions. Encourage your family to share their needs without fear of judgment. Practice together: Make NVC a family practice. Hold regular family meetings to discuss feelings, needs, and solutions together.

Imparts Lifelong Skills

Children who grow up in an environment that practices NVC develop important life skills such as emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. These skills accompany them throughout their lives.

Lifelong Skills through NVC (Nonviolent Communication)

In an environment that practices Nonviolent Communication, children develop essential life skills that will accompany them throughout their lives.

Emotional Intelligence

Children learn to recognize and understand their own feelings, as well as to respect and appreciate the emotions of others.

Problem Solving

Through NVC, children develop the ability to resolve conflicts constructively and find creative solutions.

Conflict Resolution

They learn to resolve conflicts without aggression and promote peaceful solutions.

Empathy and Compassion

NVC fosters the development of empathy and compassion, leading to stronger interpersonal relationships.

Conclusion

Nonviolent Communication is more than just a method – it’s a way of life that promotes empathy, connection, and understanding. By applying NVC, you can overcome challenges with compassion and build stronger, more loving relationships within your family. Whether you want to resolve conflicts, express feelings, or simply deepen your bonds – NVC offers you a transformative path to harmony and joy in your family.

The Role of NVC in Family Communication

NVC helps families avoid misunderstandings and build a deeper connection with one another. It allows each member to openly express their feelings and needs, leading to a harmonious and supportive environment.

A Path to More Harmony

By applying NVC, families can resolve conflicts in a respectful and constructive way. It promotes a culture of listening and understanding that enriches and strengthens family life.

Valuable Book Recommendations

Many books on Nonviolent Communication have been published by now, ranging from adult literature to lovingly designed children’s books.

…for Adults

Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life (Nonviolent Communication Guides) – by Marshall B. Rosenberg

…For Kids

Greta and the Giraffe Language – 8 illustrative animal stories about Nonviolent Communication for children – by Sabine Wittemeier

“Speaking with the Heart” A delightful book on Nonviolent Communication for children – by by Juliane Hammann

Julia Retreat Oasis Portugal at the beach
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Our personal experience

When I first heard of “Nonviolent Communication,” I was honestly a bit surprised and confused. The word “violent” seemed somehow out of place in the context of communication. But once I truly understood the concept and began applying it in my family, a whole new world opened up. The method helped us express ourselves honestly without hurting each other – and most importantly, without making the other person feel attacked.

It was a real game-changer, especially in how we interact with our daughter. It’s such a huge help to express what’s going on “inside” without the tone or words becoming unnecessarily harsh.

Discover Nonviolent Communication

Sign up for our next workshop and learn how to create deeper connections and more harmony in your life through Nonviolent Communication