Got opinionated family members?

Happy New Year, Happy Humans! 🙂

Let's kick off 2025 with our weekly 3 things...

1️⃣ A question from our community

2️⃣ Our actionable tips

3️⃣ A resource from our toolkit

1. The question

“I want my kids to be able to express their emotions, but family members tell them to 'suck it up.' How can I communicate my expectations without being too controlling?”

2. Our answer

This question likely comes after spending LOTS of time with family during the holiday season… and we get it. 

Even when we love and appreciate our family members, opinions can clash over so much more than politics. 

It seems like everyone has something to say about EVERYTHING… from our parenting choices to how our kids express themselves (or don’t).

Now is the perfect time to prepare for future family gatherings so we can leave them feeling peaceful and fulfilled, instead of anxious and overwhelmed… wondering why we even showed up in the first place.

So, here are our tips for navigating family opinions about how your kids express their emotions.

Set Clear Expectations

Have frequent and consistent conversations with your kids about emotions, explaining that while some people may have different ideas, in your family, it’s okay to feel and express all emotions. 

You can say… 

“Some people think showing emotions is a weakness, but I believe it’s a strength. I want you to feel safe to share how you’re feeling, no matter what anyone else says.”

Model Emotional Awareness

Instead of focusing on controlling what others say, remember, boundaries are all about what WE DO, not what we expect others to do.

Show your kids, and others in the room (yes, even grandpa!) that emotions are natural and manageable. 

When your kids are upset, acknowledge their feelings with phrases like… 

“I can see you’re feeling really frustrated right now,” or, “It’s okay to be sad; I’m here with you.” 

This helps them name and validate their emotions without shame, regardless of outside commentary.

It also empowers those around you to follow your lead, especially when they see the impact that validation and empathy have in helping our kids navigate tough moments.

Talk to Family Members Respectfully

This might be the most uncomfortable tip, but sometimes it’s 100% necessary for our own well-being (and to truly support and advocate for our kids). 

When family members say things like “suck it up,” respond calmly and let your inner strength shine through!

You can say… 

“I know it can be hard to see them upset, but I’m teaching them that it’s okay to feel emotions and learn how to handle them.”

This frames your approach as thoughtful, rather than critical, and opens the door for understanding.

When we set clear expectations, model emotional awareness, and communicate with respect, we create a family culture where emotions are embraced, not feared. (Cue horrified looks from everyone in the room). 

But really, it all starts with us… we have the power to be the change we want to see in our family!

3. From our toolkit

Navigating emotional expression in your family, while managing outside influences, can feel overwhelming.

But you don’t have to do it alone! 

Our Happy Human Workshop Bundle is designed to give you the tools and confidence to handle these challenges with grace and effectiveness. 

For a limited time, you can get ALL FOUR of our workshops for an all-time low price of just $99! 

Here’s what you’ll get:

🎯 Regulated Parenting: Learn how to find, maintain, and share your calm so you can set the emotional tone for your household. ($84 value)

🔧 3 Steps to Repair: Mistakes happen but they don’t have to define your parenting. This workshop shows you how to repair and reconnect with your kids after tough moments. ($84 value)

🧘‍♀️ 57+ Ways to Chill: Discover practical, easy-to-implement strategies to manage stress and show up as your best self. ($99 value)

 🌿 Release the Stress: A science-backed protocol to help you relieve anxiety and model emotional resilience for your children. ($19 value)

By investing in our workshops, you’ll gain the skills to support your kids’ emotional expression, manage your own stress, and create a home environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and understood…even when life gets challenging.

👉 Grab our workshop bundle here!

Thanks for reading to the end. 🙂 

❤️ Jenilee & Greg