Families therapists share tips on how to prevent holiday clashes over parenting styles and create a more peaceful celebration.
At holiday celebrations, adults and children tend to congregate in the same spaces. Where there are parents and children commingling, parenting styles inevitably come out on full display — especially when parents have to manage their child in an environment that may be more chaotic, exciting and stimulating than their day-to-day. Parents will have their own opinions about what kids should or shouldn’t be doing at a holiday gathering, and some will choose to voice those opinions.
Whenever someone does or says something that signals their disapproval of another adult’s parenting decision or their child’s behaviour, it can lead to conflict.Parents will need to decide how they will manage these situations in a way that diffuses tension and supports their children. Below, family therapists share the six things you can do before the holidays that will ensure a more peaceful celebration.“If you could make a game plan that gets you in sync with the adults who are in charge, it is a wonderful thing to do,” said Lisa Spiegel, a therapist who specialises in parenting and one of the directors of New York-basedBefore the day of the gathering, invite all the parents and grandparents who will be there to talk it through. You could discuss whether each parent will discipline their own child, how you will do bedtime and bath time, and so on. This can be done at an in-person family meeting, on a group call or on a group message chat.If you can anticipate situations in which your child will have different rules to follow than their cousins, or if they will have to abide by the rules of the host, make time to prepare them for these before attending the gathering, said Donna Novak, a licensed psychologist and owner ofIf you have a specific scenario in mind, talk through this with your child. For example, explain that Aunt Sara does not want anyone to eat with the television on, even at Christmas time
PARENTING HOLIDAYS FAMILY CONFLICTS TIPS
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Women who have lost a baby would prefer medics to use term ‘pregnancy loss’ not ‘miscarriage’Netmums, the parenting community you can trust to help you through the highs and lows of family life offering local info, expert parenting advice, chat, competitions, recipes and friendly support
Read more »
try Aldi Mamia newborn nappies now!Netmums, the parenting community you can trust to help you through the highs and lows of family life offering local info, expert parenting advice, chat, competitions, recipes and friendly support
Read more »
Nightbitch film review — Amy Adams is let loose in wry portrait of motherhoodThe lonely grind of parenting takes feral form in Marielle Heller’s pointedly primal new film
Read more »
Experts share best ways to avoid six common health issues caused by cold weatherHealth experts have revealed the six biggest ways the freezing cold UK winter could impact on your health - while giving advice about how to cope with them
Read more »
Little-known way to always avoid being ‘catfished’ by fancy hotels before booking a holiday...Ancient UK spa inspired by Romans and Greeks
Read more »
Urgent Christmas markets scam warning as fraud cases on the riseFive common scams and how to avoid falling prey to them this holiday season.
Read more »