By Taylor Gabbey, HRI Graduate Assistant Valentine’s Day is a time of affection. Romantic partners spend additional time together, and friends and family exchange small gifts to show their appreciation. While the season is full of fun ways to show
Stay Calm!
Big emotions can be difficult to handle as adults. Now, imagine that you are experiencing really big, challenging emotions and also don’t know how to express or communicate them quite yet. This is often what is going on for young
Validation Promotes Emotional Security
Validation means recognizing and accepting your loved ones’ thoughts, feelings, and experiences. You don’t have to agree or even completely understand where someone is coming from to provide validation. Instead, validation communicates to others, “I see you, hear you, and
Conflict Can Strengthen Relationships
Try to maintain a growth mindset when experiencing conflict in your relationships! Conflict can help strengthen your relationships and deepen the bond between you and your loved ones.
Your Relationships Deserve to Be a Priority
Your relationships deserve to be a priority! It’s important to be intentional about putting time, energy, and care into building stronger, healthier relationships with your loved ones. How can you make your relationships a priority today?
Hugs Can Do Great Amounts of Good
Express love and affection to your kids openly and frequently! Showing your kids that you love them through your words and actions helps them feel secure, supported, and cared for.
Be Patient & Manage Your Expectations
Joining families takes time, so it is important to be patient and manage your expectations. Your kids might not be fully adjusted and on board right away, and that’s okay. It’s normal for kids to feel uneasy or uncertain during
Set Aside Time to Unite Your Family
Bonding as a family takes time and effort, so it’s important to set aside time to spend together, helping you build connections and nurture relationships! This doesn’t have to look like carving out large chunks of time or planning big
Work Towards Successful Co-parenting
An important part of promoting stability and structure during the big transition of forming a blended family, is to continue to engage in positive co-parenting with your ex-partner if they are a part of you and your children’s lives. Your
Hold Family Meetings to Promote Communication
A great way to help your family transition more smoothly into a blended family, is to have regular family meetings! Family meetings create a space for each family member to bring up important issues or concerns to be discussed and