The day arrives to attend a family reunion.
You travel the distance and see aunts, uncles, and cousins last seen at your grandparent's funeral five years ago.
And now you wonder, "How am I going to survive this?" Here are five tips to help reduce the stress of the event.
1.
Take your own preferred drink.
I always have plenty of bottled water and selections for my own kids.
Many gatherings are potluck or semi-organized.
I've learned, however, that frequently pop is purchased because it is cheap and while one serving is okay, other options are better for a long period of time.
2.
Bring things for your kids to do.
How many times do you hear the phrase, "I'm bored," when you are visiting family? Select things that may be done in a group and also include things that are more individualized.
For example, have some white paper and colored pencils (crayons melt in the summer).
Others can join but this is a way for your child to escape from stress that he or she experiences in group environments.
3.
Wear an authentic smile.
Do whatever it takes to be in a positive mindset.
Be true to who you are and also be kind.
This event may be the only time you have to engage with some extended family members.
4.
Exit gracefully.
Have a pre-planned exit strategy.
You don't need to advertise a reason to leave early.
Rather, have something in your head which is reasonable that you can say if you find you need to leave before the gathering is over.
For example, if you know you don't want to stay until late in the evening, you can simply say, "I have a full day tomorrow and need to take care of ..
..
" 5.
Dive for pearls.
Simply this means, when you engage people in conversation, listen carefully.
Recognize who values your presence and who you want to spend time with.
Attending family reunions are enjoyable for some people and stressful for others.
Consider what you need to enjoy and build your relationships with your extended family members.
In our modern society, family relationships have become more distant.
Sunday afternoon dinners at Grandma's house are less common.
As a result, a little more effort is needed to have healthy extended family relationships.
You travel the distance and see aunts, uncles, and cousins last seen at your grandparent's funeral five years ago.
And now you wonder, "How am I going to survive this?" Here are five tips to help reduce the stress of the event.
1.
Take your own preferred drink.
I always have plenty of bottled water and selections for my own kids.
Many gatherings are potluck or semi-organized.
I've learned, however, that frequently pop is purchased because it is cheap and while one serving is okay, other options are better for a long period of time.
2.
Bring things for your kids to do.
How many times do you hear the phrase, "I'm bored," when you are visiting family? Select things that may be done in a group and also include things that are more individualized.
For example, have some white paper and colored pencils (crayons melt in the summer).
Others can join but this is a way for your child to escape from stress that he or she experiences in group environments.
3.
Wear an authentic smile.
Do whatever it takes to be in a positive mindset.
Be true to who you are and also be kind.
This event may be the only time you have to engage with some extended family members.
4.
Exit gracefully.
Have a pre-planned exit strategy.
You don't need to advertise a reason to leave early.
Rather, have something in your head which is reasonable that you can say if you find you need to leave before the gathering is over.
For example, if you know you don't want to stay until late in the evening, you can simply say, "I have a full day tomorrow and need to take care of ..
..
" 5.
Dive for pearls.
Simply this means, when you engage people in conversation, listen carefully.
Recognize who values your presence and who you want to spend time with.
Attending family reunions are enjoyable for some people and stressful for others.
Consider what you need to enjoy and build your relationships with your extended family members.
In our modern society, family relationships have become more distant.
Sunday afternoon dinners at Grandma's house are less common.
As a result, a little more effort is needed to have healthy extended family relationships.
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