071. How to Help Kids Cope with Painful Holiday Disappointment
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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!)
Even if you're experiencing painful emotions yourself and don't feel equipped — you CAN learn how to coach your kids through their tough emotions and be there for them when they need you the most.
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 impact 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
Ready for personalized support? Schedule your free coaching call
We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence, and connection in your home. Schedule your free call here: https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesession
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With so many episodes available here on the show, it might feel a bit overwhelming to find the topics that matter most to you. That's why we've created the Blended Family Breakthrough Quiz which will direct you to the most impactful episodes that pertain to you personally.
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