The holiday season can be stressful for any family, but that can be even more stressful for divorced parents, their children, and other family members. Can that be avoided altogether? How to deal with conflict? Go through the article to learn more about families’ most common issues at Christmas and possible solutions, or if the problem persists, a family law attorney in Renton can help you out.
Relatives eager to bring up old hurts and discuss Divorce/ separation
Let bygones be bygones must be your main theme for this year. Unfortunately, there is something about families coming up together around the holidays which makes people eager to bring up old conversations, mistakes, and arguments.
Neutrally acknowledge them, and if they continue to hijack the conversation in a negative direction, you can say calmly and directly that you do not have any interest in that conversation and would prefer to talk about something else.
Relatives who put pressure on others about the future.
Family members, especially the older ones, generally have hope for the next step you will take. This is understandable; they are much invested in your life. At times, these hopes get brought up at holiday gatherings, which is not an ideal time. However, try to maneuver these uncomfortable situations in another direction, one where you can be in-charge.
Conflict over family for a new relationship
Even couples at the height of their honeymoon phase fall prey to arguments about where they will spend the holidays.
This complicated issue is a game of tug of war. On the other hand, the pressure can also come from the in-laws.
In many families, there can be a divorce scenario where both parents are worried about the co-parenting thing; the topic of custody of the child dragged by any relatives can disturb your mental health.
Set a clear, manageable expectation early in the relationship about what is crucial to you for all the holidays. When coming in for a holiday meal, try to discuss with or set the tone of the conversation beforehand or at the very beginning of the
Coping With Family Tension At Christmas
Getting along with relatives this Christmas season? We got you, and here are the solutions to how you can easily cope with family gatherings. Family gatherings are usually viewed as joyful events. But for many, it is overwhelming and not good for their mental health. Yearly fights, ideology and personality conflicts, and difficulties negotiating conversations with relatives can ruin the celebration.
At times relatives knowingly or unknowingly drag past wounds, which can create chaos and spoil everything. You can follow up on these tips to deal with difficult family members during that holiday and make the gatherings enjoyable.
1. Be more tolerant and able to respond tactfully.
Worrying about the upcoming gathering can cause anxiety even before it starts. Better if you focus on your own behavior, which can reduce anxiety and make you feel better instead of being worried. Focus on the positive qualities of the family member before gatherings, not the negative ones.
2. Have Realistic Expectations
This would be great if your relatives do not drag the divorce topic at a family dinner, but do not count on it.
We must expect people to stay the same when. They have behaved similarly for many years. Minimize contact with those relatives, and spend more time interacting with your loved ones
3. Accept that you can control your reaction.
You may not be able to stop people from bringing up past wounds or controversial subjects, but you can monitor and modify your reactions. Try not to have any conflict with any family member.
4. Only drink a little.
In case you drink alcohol, do it in moderation. Some people become aggressive and argumentative when they drink too much. So minimize the drinking or stick to non-alcoholic beverages. Avoid people who have had too much to drink.
5. Bring a happy reminder.
Smiling at a favorite photo from a friend can help reduce stress. While things get too stressful, plan to sneak away, take a break and look at the happy reminder.
6. Practice gratitude
Take the time out and think about all you have to be grateful for; a warm home, a delicious meal, good health, abundant life, and company. Anxiety can be diminished by focusing on the things we value and enjoy.
7. Get active
This is challenging to be drawn into an agreement while engrossed in an activity that requires concentration. Plan events that involve less confrontation and more fun.
8. Practice tolerance
Try to tolerate others’ irritating and quirky behaviors, and do not take them personally.
Reach Out To Our Family Lawyers For Compassionate Legal Support
Co-parenting is quite challenging, but if you find ways to deal with it together and create a plan, that can improve the holiday season. Parents sometimes attempt to defy court orders and make plans on their own. If you cannot handle such situations, it may be time to get attorneys involved. At Tamblyn law, our highly skilled family law lawyer in Bellevue has seen it all and knows how to handle all these situations. We are here to assist you in going through any difficult time.
If you need guidance with family law disputes, contact us today.
