Comments on: Holiday Happiness for Moms, Part 2: Dealing with Critics

By: Laurie Puhn

Laurie Puhn — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 18:43:12 +0000

Hi Meagan,
Wrong website above. My mistake. My blog is at http://www.expectingwords.com
Can you please make the change for me?
Thanks!

By: Laurie Puhn

Laurie Puhn — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 18:39:53 +0000

Great ideas, one additional tip: Expect to be asked rude, intrusive questions by family members. PLEASE talk to your spouse in ADVANCE of certain off-limit topics like a health problem, fertility decisions, child discipline issues, job uncertainty, etc. Prepare a pat answer such as, “That’s interesting, I’ll think about it…” This way when Aunt Tilda reminds you that you that your 5 year old could use a baby sister, you have a prepared answer so neither you or your spouse get stuck sharing private information.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 09:54:21 +0000

I picked this one up from my MIL’s MIL. She always used to fall silent whenever she disagreed with what was being said. It sent a much more powerful message than responding verbally. I don’t always remember to use this strategy but when I do it seems to help everybody by diffusing the situation rather than pouring fuel on the fire.

Thanks for the post, Meagan – a timely reminder.

By: Jen

Jen — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:37:57 +0000

Excellent post. I really love these manage-the-holidays ones! Great work, and please keep it coming. (-:

By: Elizabeth (@claritychaos)

Elizabeth (@claritychaos) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 04:08:05 +0000

This type of post is a huge service (or a heads up) for new parents. Even as a mom of three, I find it a good reminder. I especially like @martijen’s suggestion to look for the kernel of truth. But all that being said, I have to say I’m grateful that one particular holiday gathering is done. And instead of having a big ‘air clearing event’ we did bite our tongues and decide to use the experience as a lesson when we consider our plans for next year. Yowsa. If blogs weren’t out here on the internet, I would have some stories to share.

Anyway, great post. I really do think it is a helpful reminder. Consider running it pre-holidays next year, too.

By: Amber

Amber — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 20:33:22 +0000

This isn’t so much a strategy, per se, but it’s worked for me. I have found that as I gain more experience, and I have more than one child, I get far less criticism. Once you have at least one kid who is engaging and outgoing and functional, you seem to get a certain amount of parenting credibility. People are less apt to question something that seems to have worked at least once.

Well, that and I just sort of ignore the looks. I prefer just not to go there.

By: Tweets that mention The Happiest Mom » Holiday Happiness for Moms, Part 2: Dealing with Critics -- Topsy.com

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:45:55 +0000

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Meagan Francis, Elizabeth K-R. Elizabeth K-R said: RT @MeaganFrancis: dealing with parenting critics at family parties: http://bit.ly/7IozVz (with @katehan @krisbordessa @angengland @mart … [...]