It’s true, it’s not easy; let’s also think of the children, especially adolescents, who need a social life of their own. How can we rediscover a new way of living together? By becoming creative. In the family, continuous contact can generate friction or conflicts linked to character differences and can give rise to expectations, blame, and repercussions even in intimate life. Creativity can help a family rediscover the importance of silence and solitude, allowing each member breathing space and doing things without undue haste, looking into each other’s eyes, and planning moments of deep dialogue.

If we do things calmly, we may also discover gratitude. Let’s think of the gift that our child can be for us (not only of his or her problems), of all the beautiful things that they do for us; of the joy that we can give each other even through simple gestures of affection. Let’s try to look at our lives with gratitude: the sun, the flowers in bloom, the smile of our granddaughter… Let’s try, even when everything seems to be going wrong. Every night has, at least, a glimmer of brightness.

Maria and Raimondo Scotto