Episode Details

The holidays are a time for laughter, joy, connection and peace.  But for blended families, all of that can be hijacked by our kids' difficult emotions and disappointment.  And for most of us it's hard to know how to respond.

Kim's daughter, Annika struggled with difficult emotions moving between two homes — and her disappointment seemed especially sensitive around the holidays.

Her sullen behavior was hard for us to understand and we didn't always know how to help her work through her emotions in a healthy way.  

In this episode, we'll share some of what we've learned about showing up well for your kids when they're stressed or expressing disappointment this week as you head into the holidays.  (oh, and by the way what we'll share will be helpful beyond the holiday season as well!)

You'll Discover:

• A practical 5-step process to emotionally support your kids that will help them cope with difficult emotions and lead to more self-control 
• How loyalty and loss impacts kids — especially around the holidays
• The best way to approach your child when they're feeling disappointment and build a stronger connection with them  
• What to do when you're feeling uneasy, inadequate or emotional yourself
• Why avoiding your kid's emotional struggles can actually increase their pain

Resources from this Episode:

• Blog Article:  How to Move Beyond Painful Guilt and Regret
• Blog Article:  Empathy or Avoidance…Which Do You Choose?
• Nick Wignall's Article:  How to Raise Emotionally Resilient Kids
• Blog Article:  Help Your Kids and Step-Kids When Emotions Are High
• Episode 29:  What is a Loyalty Bind and What Can You Do About It?
• John Gottman's Book:  Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child
• Jody Bergsma's "Sometimes I Feel" Poster:  Garden of Children
• Sabrina McDonald's Article:  A Time to Grieve During Stepfamily Holidays 
• Blog Article: Blended Family Holiday Blues:  3 Tips For When You're Missing Your Kids 

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