Navigating Holiday Conversations: Mental Health Experts Share Tips for Handling Uncomfortable Topics with Relatives

(KNSI) – Families are getting ready to come together for the holidays, for better or for worse.

Experts offer advice for dealing with a relative who always brings up uncomfortable conversations about relationships, world conflicts, work, or politics. Central Minnesota Mental Health Center Chief Clinical Officer Doctor Steve Loos explained it’s important to set boundaries and let the other person know how they are making you feel. Then, switch the subject. “When picking a topic to try to change it to, engage in a topic that you know is meaningful for that person who is supposed to be talking about the other thing. So, if you know that they’re into the Timberwolves, or if you know that they’re into baking, or if you know that they’re into cribbage, it’s giving them an alternative topic that they’re equally or similarly passionate about.”

Officials say if we get into conflict with family members, we are less likely to get together regularly. Dr. Loos feels it can be especially sad if there’s a rift between parents and their adult kids. “The idea for parents is just figuring out how to connect with their kids and how to enjoy this time. And the idea is, the more enjoyable time that we spend together during the holidays, the more likely that we’re going to seek each other’s company out outside of the holidays.”

He understands that our kids will always be our kids, regardless of their age, but respecting their choices in life can make all the difference. It’s also okay for kids to let their mom and dad be parents by listening to their advice even if they don’t intend to take it and allowing them to help their children, even if it’s as simple as some gas money.

For more advice and mental health resources this holiday season, click here.

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