#69: Family Gatherings 101: Redirecting, Deflecting, and Keeping Your Peace

The Stepmom Side Podcast

In this episode, I'm diving into a classic struggle: surviving family gatherings without losing your mind (or your peace). Whether it’s Aunt Judy offering unsolicited advice or cousins asking uncomfortable questions about your role as a stepmom, family events can turn into an emotional minefield real quick.

Here’s what we’re covering today:

• Why Family Gatherings Attract Unsolicited Opinions: Is it the holiday spirit, or do people just forget their boundaries when they pass the gravy? We’ll explore why family gatherings tend to bring out all the “helpful” opinions.
• Prepping for Awkward Conversations: Learn how to identify potential landmine topics and decide in advancehow you’ll handle them. This is your guide to staying one step ahead of the awkward questions.
• Redirecting and Defusing Comments: Discover strategies for gracefully shifting conversations or using humor to dodge unwanted opinions. Think of it as your family gathering survival toolkit.
• Handling Questions About the Ex: Does everyone suddenly have an insatiable curiosity about your co-parenting situation? We’ll talk about ways to answer—or avoid—them while keeping things respectful.
• Navigating When Kids Bring Up Their Mom: Kids can be a wildcard, especially when they bring up stories about their mom. We’ll cover why it’s important to stay calm and supportive—and how to respond with grace.
• Setting a Time Limit and Knowing When to Leave: Family gatherings don’t have to be a marathon! We’ll talk about how to know when it’s time to take a break (or gracefully exit) to protect your peace.

This episode is all about showing up with confidence, setting boundaries, and handling tough situations without letting anyone get under your skin. So, grab a cup of tea (or wine), and let’s get ready to tackle those family gatherings like the confident stepmom you are (or want to be)!

Listen now to find out how to keep your peace intact—no matter how wild the family gathering gets!
10 Tips to Get Through the Holidays-FREE RESOURCE!

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