FAMILY MANAGEMENT

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FAMILY COMMUNCATION NETWORKS

Family Communication Networks

Families have different ways in which the members

communicate. This often is related to how the family

identifies who is in charge. 

 

Some families have one person who is the center of

communication. Often this is the mother. This network

looks like a wheel. Communication lines go from the

mother at the center to each family member. The mother

controls the messages and can adapt them as needed with

each family member.

Other families may use a chain network. One person

is in charge at the top giving messages to the next person

down the line. This person then gives it to the next

person down and so on. In busy families this type of

communication may be needed. The problem with this

“top down” approach is that only the second person in the

chain hears the complete message. 

 

Many stepfamilies use a “Y” type communication. The

children are at the top points of the “Y” and the mother

in the middle. The stepfather is at the bottom of the “Y.”

Messages to the children are given through the mother.

This network may be useful as the members work to

become a new family. 

 

Messages in the networks discussed above are filtered

through one person. Sometimes this is needed. It may

help reduce family conflict. The problem is that it could

also produce misunderstandings. The person who sent the

message does not talk directly to all those who receive it.

A fourth network style is the “all-channel” network.

In this setting each family member talks directly with

each other. There is no filtering of information. This style

is used more when children are older. The information

does not get distorted with this style; however it is not

as effective when information needs to get to everyone

quickly. 

 

Families with good communication use a mix of

communication networks. That is because each type of

network can be useful in a specific situation. What is

important is that all family members feel heard.