Coping with Non-Affirming Friends and Family During the Holidays

The holidays are a time of magic, love, and connection. Unfortunately, the crises in our lives don’t stop just because it is the holidays. This episode is all about equipping you with the tools and language needed to gracefully handle situations with non-affirming individuals. We'll use the guide "The Language of LGBTQIA+" to understand the terminology your child or friend might use. Alongside this, we'll discuss the importance of maintaining presence with all kids, investing quality time with your partner, and nurturing a sense of gratitude to keep the positivity alive, even amidst chaotic times.But there's more. We'll debunk common misbeliefs propagated by non-affirming individuals and learn how to respond to them. You'll discover how to provide essential support to LGBTQ+ individuals during the holiday season, and I'll share some self-care tips that have proved to be lifesavers during holiday crises. And last but certainly not least, we'll explore the transformative power of gratitude. Take the time to amplify the positive, find peace amidst chaos, and embrace the holidays in all their messy wonder. Don't miss this heartwarming and empowering conversation - it'll leave you feeling ready to embrace the holiday season with open arms and an open heart.Connect with Heather:Join the Just Breathe Community on PatreonGive a copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride. Join Heather's *free* Substack weekly newsletter Work with Heather one-on-one or bring her into your organization to speak or run a workshop!Please subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!YouTubeTikTokEmail: [email protected] Takeaways: The podcast emphasizes the importance of breathing and calming your nervous system during stressful holiday situations. Engaging with non-affirming family members requires clarity on your goals and boundaries. Understanding the nuanced meanings of words like 'non-affirming' and 'unsupportive' is crucial in communication. Creating a supportive environment for LGBTQ children during the holidays involves both education and empathy. Knowing facts specific to your child's journey can help navigate challenging conversations. Taking time for self-care and gratitude can significantly ease the emotional burdens of the holidays. Mentioned in this episode:PatreonLearn more about the Just Breathe Community on PatreonPatreonThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Blubrry - https://create.blubrry.com/resources/about-blubrry/privacy-policy