Consult a Counselor: Helping Kids Socialize with Family

EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series, a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, where therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, answers real-life parenting questions, helping you find balance, reduce worry, and live mindfully with your children.

TODAY'S QUESTION:
"How can I help my kid interact with extended family they don’t see often during the holidays?"

Holiday gatherings can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially for kids who aren’t used to being around extended family. In this episode, Vanessa shares practical tips to help your child feel more confident and comfortable in these social settings. From preparation to practicing social cues, she provides strategies to make family interactions less intimidating while fostering gratitude and respect.

TUNE IN TO LEARN:

• Why preparation and sharing stories about family members can ease anxiety
• How practicing greetings and offering alternatives like high-fives can help kids feel more at ease
• Ways to empower your child with options for taking breaks or stepping away when overwhelmed
• How modeling social cues and gratitude reinforces positive interactions
• Tips for teaching kindness, empathy, and respect during family gatherings

REFERENCED EPISODES:

Consult a Counselor: Force Hugging at Thanksgiving
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast/225

Consult a Counselor: How to Help Your Child Become More Grateful
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast/227

TAKEAWAY MESSAGE:
Socializing with extended family is a learned skill that takes practice and patience. By preparing your child, modeling positive behaviors, and supporting them through challenging moments, you can help them build confidence and strengthen family bonds in meaningful ways.

Listen in, and remember... you’re always free to be mindful!

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DISCLAIMER:
Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.