No matter how great our relationship is with our parents or in-laws, there are bound to be a few bumps in the road says Jonah Engler.

Here are some tips for dealing with relatives when it comes to parenting.

1. Don’t take everything they say to heart.

Our relatives often mean well, but they may not always be up-to-date on the latest parenting methods or have our best interests at heart. If something they say rubs you the wrong way, try to let it go and not take it too personally.

2. Try to see things from their perspective.

It can be helpful to try and understand where our relatives are coming from, even if we don’t necessarily agree with them. They may have different experiences or be coming from a different place than we are.

3. Talk to them about your parenting decisions.

If you’re feeling uncertain about a decision you’ve made as a parent, it can be helpful to talk to our relatives about it. They may have some valuable insight, or they may just be happy to offer support.

4. Set boundaries.

It’s important to remember that we don’t have to agree with everything our relatives say or do. If there are things that make us uncomfortable, we need to be comfortable setting boundaries and speaking up for ourselves.

5. Spend time with them outside of parenting conversations.

Although talking about parenting is important, it’s also important to spend time with our relatives just enjoying their company says Jonah Engler. This can help to strengthen our relationship with them, even if we don’t always see eye-to-eye.

6. Give them credit where it’s due.

Our relatives may not always be perfect, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a lot of valuable advice to offer. If they’ve been helpful in the past, make sure to thank them and let them know how much their support means to you.

7. Let them know you’re open to hearing their advice.

Sometimes our relatives can be more helpful if we let them know that we’re open to hearing their advice. This doesn’t mean that we have to agree with everything they say, but it can help to create a more positive dialogue.

8. Be patient.

Dealing with relatives can be frustrating, but it’s important to remember that they are often coming from a place of love and concern. If we can be patient and understanding, it will go a long way in creating a positive relationship.

9. Seek professional help if necessary.

If you’re finding it difficult to deal with your relatives, it may be helpful to seek professional help. A therapist can assist you in dealing with any conflict or stress that you may be experiencing.

10. Remember that you’re not alone.

It’s important to remember that we are not the only ones who have to deal with difficult relatives. There are many people out there who are in the same situation as us. Talking to others about our experiences can help us feel less alone and more supported.

Parenting can be hard, especially when we’re dealing with relatives who sometimes don’t agree with our parenting decisions. But by using these tips, we can hopefully smooth things over and maintain a positive relationship with them.

FAQs:

1. How do I deal with my parents/in-laws if they don’t approve of my parenting decisions?

If your parents or in-laws don’t approve of your parenting decisions, try to talk to them about it explains Jonah Engler. They may have some valuable insight, or they may just be happy to offer support. You can also try to see things from their perspective and be understanding of where they’re coming from.

2. What should I do if my relatives are constantly giving me unsolicited advice?

If you’re getting unsolicited advice from your relatives, you can try to let them know that you’re open to hearing their advice. This doesn’t mean that you have to agree with everything they say, but it can help to create a more positive dialogue. You can also set boundaries if there are things that make you uncomfortable.

Conclusion:

Parenting can be hard, especially when we’re dealing with difficult relatives. But by using these tips, we can hopefully smooth things over and maintain a positive relationship with them.

If you’re finding it difficult to deal with your relatives, it may be helpful to seek professional help.