sf-2-family-approval-light.png

Section 3

FAMILY

Strategies for Dealing with

Politics in Family

sf-82-they-are-not-you-light.png

“I love you, but
I’m glad I’m me.”

 
 

Differentiate

Remind yourself that they are not you—they do not have to change for you to feel okay.

 
 
 
sf-3-3-practice-in-mirror.png

“This is my chance to catch you off guard and diffuse tensions!”

Prepare & Practice

Because family patterns are usually consistent and predictable, you can prepare and practice how to respond differently.

sf-84-regression-tantrum-light.png

“It’s your fault I’m a baby! Your fault! Your fault! ”

Avoid Regression

Nobody can make you regress into your old self. Only you have control over that.

 
 
 
 
sf-80-personal-boundary-light.png

I got this.

 

Protect Your Boundaries

Don’t let yourself get baited into a political conversation when you are not in the right frame of mind.

You get to decide when to engage in a back and forth conversation.

 

Key Strategies:

 
 

If someone tries to bring up politics and you don’t see a good outcome, here’s how to…

 

Head it off

 
 
 
graphic-speach-bubble.png

“Let’s not go there during

dinner/at bedtime/just before

I leave.”

 

Friendly teasing

 
graphic-speach-bubble-2.png

“Hey, that was a good one, Uncle Joe!”

Then change the subject.

 
 

Serious response

 
graphic-speach-bubble.png

“Not everyone around this table agrees with what you just said,

and MAYBE now’s not the best time to get into it?”  

 

CONVERSATION SKILL: LAPP

Listen, Acknowledge, Pivot, Perspective

SUMMARY:

 
 

- It is your choice to allow their perspective to frustrate you. No one else has control over your response and state of well-being.

- Do not attempt to change their beliefs. Try to accept them for who they are.

- If you find it very difficult to talk politics, or they won’t stop bringing it up with you, it is okay to abandon politics as a point of discussion to maintain a healthy relationship.