There is a reason that family tensions around the holidays serve as the focus of several comedic movies and stories. Even though each family is unique, almost everyone can relate to some sort of dysfunction at their gatherings.
The holidays and the conflict they cause are some of the most common family therapy issues. Every year, people struggle to get along at family dinners, stress out over pleasing relatives, and create tension that carries on to the next holiday. Instead of letting the holidays get the best of you and your family, you can take a few steps to improve relationships and enjoy the upcoming weeks. From quality time to different types of family therapy with your children, several things can help you, and your loved ones have a successful holiday season.
Spend Time Together
Far too many people get caught up in the materialism of holidays and forget about the most essential part-time with their family. However, it’s important to spend quality time with your children to create pleasant memories that will strengthen your bond for years to come. The best part is that most kids are just happy to be with their family, so you don’t have to worry about coming up with elaborate plans. Instead, you can work together and make a list of a few ideas for family time around the holidays like decorating cookies or making homemade decorations.
Establish Healthy Boundaries
With all of the hustle and bustle that surrounds the holiday season, it is easy for parents and children alike to become stressed. The build-up can cause little meltdowns at big family events, especially if you try to spread yourself too thin. Instead of trying to please everyone, you should encourage your children to speak up if they need a break or some space. You should also discuss your limits with relatives and cancel dinners or parties if your family is too bombarded with invitations.
See a Therapist
Whether you’re going on a summer getaway or visiting relatives for the holidays, family vacations often cause a lot of friction. If your children quarrel every time you go on a road trip, or you get stressed from the planning, you and your family are not the only ones with these struggles. Parents frequently need outside help from a family therapist to teach them how to handle stressful holiday travel with kids. By working with a professional, each family member can develop tools to help you all operate as a healthy family unit.
If you would like to schedule a complimentary consultation before committing to family counseling in Little, Rock, we encourage you to reach out to us at Arkansas Relationship Counseling Center today. You can contact us by filling out our online form or by calling (501) 222-3463 today.
