Tips & Scripts For Getting Through Holiday Gatherings With Grace
Dec 23, 2024
"When are you going to have kids?"
"What are you waiting for?”
“You’d be such a great mom (or dad)!”
As the holidays arrive once again, you might be dreading questions about your current child-free state. Even the most supportive, helpful loved ones can dig in with questions that cause unnecessary pain.
You’re certainly entitled to your reaction! The truth is, most questions that feel intrusive…. are indeed intrusive.
What if you didn’t have to dread these questions? The best way to minimize this stress is to have a plan in place for how to respond. While it's tempting to tell these family members that it’s none of their business, I believe grace over sarcasm and hostility is the way to go.
Here are a few tips — including some tried-and-true responses you can use — to stay connected to yourself as you navigate the questions, looks, or sideways comments that often come along with holiday gatherings.
One day, children will grow up with the understanding that being a parent or childfree is a personal decision. They’ll be taught that both are good choices and the message will be along the lines of:
“Parenthood, living a childfree life, or raising children is a choice. It’s a very personal decision and only you can know what’s true for you. One is not better than the other but one will be better for you.”
Happy Holidays!
