Critical families

The wonders of family, they give us so much; love, sympathy, compassion, and caring. They cheer for us when no one else will. They hold us up when we can no longer hold our selves. Sometimes families also step on us when we are at our worst. They stress us out when we just want to relax. They criticizes when we are just trying to make our lives better. Some of us relate well to the positives as well as some of the negatives but some of us only relate to the negatives that families bring. What to do when your family has confused criticism with support. Let me break it down. If you are going to continue interacting with this kind of family member you have a couple of options. The thing to try is the direct approach asking them to be less critical (you must site examples). If this approach is met with resistance (here is one I received and I am not kidding "I am not critical") then move on to plan B. First remind yourself before any interaction with them that they have a tendency to be critical. Second remind yourself that they are also hard on themselves, they just don't show it (helps us be compassionate) Third take some deep breaths. Repeat this to yourself what ever they say "he/she means well and this is not about me", "they think they are being helpful and I know what is best for me". Take some more deep breaths. Need help dealing with family stress give me a call Greta Jaeger (404) 259-1335 Greta Jaeger, LPC, Certified Coach (404)259-1335 Greta@coachingyourdreams.com Www.coachingyourdreams.com