Nervous about celebrating the holidays with your in-laws?
Planning on spending Thanksgiving with your in-laws?
Some people will tell you all the things NOT to do if you want to survive Thanksgiving with your in-laws…
But as we know from dealing with kids, it’s not enough to tell people what NOT to do…
We always need something to do instead.
Bob Strauss gives us a good starting place with his list of things NOT to do with your in-laws at Thanksgiving dinner which include not talking about politics, not talking about your personal life, and not talking about football.
That might seem like it doesn’t leave much to talk about, so let’s look at what you can do instead…
- Play Their Game
While you’re with your in-laws, consider playing their game. If they play the game of cleaning up right after the meal is over, go ahead and play it with them. If they play the game of the men go watch TV and the ladies clean up, see if you can enjoy that game. It’s only for one meal and it’s a great way to practice your flexibility muscle.
- Listen Literally
Your mother-in-law could say, “Wow, Beth is getting so big!” And if you’re not listening literally, you might assume she’s saying that your daughter is getting chunky or overweight, instead of just that she’s growing and is getting bigger. So listen to what your in-laws say…literally…and you can spare yourself from a lot of pain that comes with assuming things.
- Play The Glad Game
Remember how Pollyanna played the Glad Game and found 5 things to be glad about? You can do the same with your in-laws. Focus on the positive. “I am so glad that my In-Laws have a nice warm heater.” “I am so glad my father in-law is watching football right now instead of yelling at someone.” “I’m so glad my mother-in-law ate my casserole quietly.” See how easy it can be? And playing this with your kids can be even more fun. “I’m so glad Grandma and Grandpa __________.”
- Set Your Intention Ahead of Time
Sometimes you know you have something important to say at a family gathering, so HONESTY is your main intention. Other times you may be focused on KEEPING THE PEACE. Think about what your goal is for your interaction with your in-laws and the rest of the family.
Brainstorm ways that will help you reach those goals of being honest, keeping the peace, or having a good time. Whatever it is that you set your intention as, you can have it.
More Parenting Advice: What are your tips for surviving Thanksgiving with your in-laws? Share your tips in the Comments section below…
How To Survive Thanksgiving Dinner With Your In-Laws [eHow]
