The holiday season is a time of celebration, yet it can also bring unique challenges for parents. Dr. Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist, shared her savvy strategies on ‘Good Morning America’ to help parents maintain peace and flexibility during this stressful time.
The holidays might be filled with joy and excitement, but they can also introduce stress, especially when it comes to managing family dynamics. Dr. Becky Kennedy emphasizes the importance of setting expectations right from the start. ‘Expectation setting is step one in having a holiday that’s going to actually feel good to you,’ says Kennedy.
Managing different sets of family rules can be a challenge during gatherings. Dr. Kennedy advises parents to be flexible with their rules during the holidays. Using the example of differing rules on TV watching, she suggests shifting your usual boundaries temporarily, acknowledging that these changes are not permanent. ‘I give myself permission to shift things, to make things work over the holiday,’ she explains.
When dealing with unwanted advice from family members, Dr. Kennedy recommends staying diplomatic. She assures parents that they are not alone and suggests defusing tensions with phrases like, ‘You’re right. We’re doing things with Bobby that are different than what you would do. It’s OK that we don’t agree.’
Another common holiday issue is the abundance of gifts. Dr. Kennedy reassures parents that a pile of presents won’t turn children into ‘entitled monsters.’ She reminds them that parenting is a year-round job and that development takes a lot longer than the holiday period.
Teaching gratitude can be tricky, but Dr. Kennedy has a unique approach. She uses a simple exercise with her own children, giving them a wrapped rock to illustrate unpredictability. Her daughter, upon receiving this, responded, ‘Oh, thanks so much for thinking of me.’ Kennedy stresses, ‘We can’t expect ourselves to use a skill when we need it if we haven’t practiced that skill.’
Dr. Becky Kennedy’s insights provide a clear path through the holiday maze, emphasizing flexibility, diplomacy, and practical exercises in gratitude. Parents can embrace these strategies to navigate family gatherings with grace and joy.
Source: Yahoo
