Four Thanksgiving Stress Busters:
#4: Disregard the Relatives

Wednesday November 21, 2007

A day that should be a joyous family get-together can be an unending family hell if you let the perceived judgments and "well meaning" criticisms of relatives get to you. Ignoring them is easier said than done, sure. But one good way to try is to focus completely on your child, and on keeping him or her calm and happy, instead of pleasing all those picky personages you're never going to be able to satisfy anyway.

Make this your mantra for the day: "I don't have to apologize for being a good parent." Then, go ahead and be one.

"Special Children and Special Occasions" has some suggestions for helping your child and yourself make it through the emotional gauntlet of holiday parties and dinners and visits. If you're particularly wary of becoming a human punching bag for hypercritical kinfolk, it might help to give "Dealing With Toxic People" a read, too.

And maybe make up one of these warning labels with "No Criticisms Please!" and hang it around your neck. For those who can't take a hint.

More Thanksgiving Stress Busters:

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