How to Avoid Family Discord During the Holidays

Series Summary

For many, one of the most rewarding things in life is having a family. No matter what the size, families give a sense of comfort and security. They encourage laughter and cooperation. However, like everything in life, families can have their problems. Nobody is perfect: spouses, parents, children or grandparents. Sometimes, moms and dads can't get along, teenagers rebel more than normal and communication is broken. Life is full of uncertainties. Despite the problems, there is always a silver lining. Learn how dealing with unexpected or unfortunate circumstances can make a family stronger than ever before. Sometimes, it helps to get an outsider's perspective on problems. Listening to someone who is not directly involved in the conflict may bring useful advice. This is why counselors are a great resource for family and parenting problems. In this free video series, get tips from clinical psychologist Dr. F. Felicia Ferrara on how to cope with family conflicts and teenagers. She discusses a variety of issues: spousal abuse, adoptions and family discord. Also, get help for communicating with a teenager, and learn how to inspire teenagers to save money. Want a teenager to help around the house? Dr. Ferrara discusses reward systems that work well for teens. Also, identify if your child may be using drugs. So, take a moment and learn some useful tips with this teenager and family advice.

Video Transcript

"Hello! Have you ever wondered how to avoid family discord during the holidays. It's a difficult topic for everyone. My name is Dr. Felicia and I'd like to share a few tips with you. For instance, if you're going to a family gathering. And you happen to know that there are certain individuals that are going to raise cane, sort to speak. You want to go in there with a mental attitude, yourself. A conscious effort to remain calm. You don't want to get them ignited. If there's somebody in the family that really irks you to a bad degree. Make sure that you keep your distance, at the event. Maybe avoid sitting near them. Avoid interacting with them, is necessary. The other thing, if you're holding the event is to make sure that there's not access to excessive liquor. If it's someone who can't hold their liquor. And usually that's when family brawls break out. When everyone's under the influence. So those are other things you can do. The other thing about family discord, is to really maybe, meet with that person before the gathering. And actually discuss somethings that might be bothering you. You might call them outside, if a discord erupts. And try to talk to them rationally. And you may enlist the assistance of other family members to do the same. But the most important thing for you to remember. When you're going to a family gathering, especially at the holidays. When everyone's stressed out and haven't seen each other, in a while. Is to make a conscious effort to remain calm, cool and collected. No matter what's said to you. Step back before you respond. So that you don't ignite an eruption. In any case, try to enjoy the holidays. That's what they're there for. We can link old relationships and making warm, fuzzy interactions with each other. So good luck on your holiday. And avoiding discord. This Dr. Felicia saying good bye fro now. So long"