This week has been a roller coaster for families, especially in the communities around Washington, DC. Our friends and loved ones work in the federal government. Or do advocacy work in local nonprofits.

The election results affect us. Not just on election day, but every day. And that doesn’t even begin to address the level of impact on BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ families.

Or on the immigrant families that make up the neighborhoods around our office. In Kensington, Chevy Chase, and Silver Spring. In Bethesda, Rockville and ALL of Montgomery County.

We live IN the melting pot. In the political hub. And we love it.

That’s why we’re here! But it has been an emotional week (month, year, decade) to live in the heart of it all. And to watch some of our friends and neighbors suffer disproportionately.

We covered this and so much more in our newsletter this month. Talking to your family about election results. Handling the peer pressure to relax your social distancing standards.

We even discussed how to get your teen to go to therapy. Click to read the newsletter. Or keep scrolling to read some highlights.

If your child is struggling, we have Child Therapists in Maryland ready to help.

To our kids, it’s clear when something is unfair. And the last few weeks have been full of an awareness of unfairness. And a fear of more to come.

Is it fair to miss out on Halloween parties? No. To have to do school online? No.

And now we’re talking about the fairness of election results. Of the electoral college. And of the policies that the next President might support.

Our kids pick up on our anxiety. And many of them are feeling it. If the idea of child therapy has been on your mind, we’re happy to do a free 15 minute consult.

Extra family time can also reduce your child’s stress. Try making chore time into family fun. With this game created by a 14-year-old!

How to get your teen to go to therapy (or connect to a teen therapist online in Maryland)

It matters how you talk about therapy. Your teen may be embarrassed, which is common. And it may be hard for them to admit they might need help. So let’s talk about therapy in a way that leaves no room for shame.

Share how you think therapy is helpful and could benefit them. Pause and listen to their opinions on the matter. Then make them a part of the decision process.

Can they have a say in who they see? Can they help decide what day or time? Most of the time it will take a few sessions to know if it’s the right fit.

Give them the freedom to talk about what they want to talk about in session. ( After the goals have been stated and agreed to.) And let them share with you what they want.

And if they still refuse? Getting parenting support can be just as helpful. Read the full article for more detailed advice.

A Child Therapist’s tips for helping kids resist peer pressure.

Show them how you make choices. Explain how you decided what was best for your family. (Preparing for this conversation will help you get clear about it too!)

• Note that decisions, especially ones about safety, are very personal.

• Explain the values you used to make your decision.

• Identify the information that informs your choice.

• Encourage your child to support others’ decisions too.

• Make the most of the choice you’ve made.

The pandemic gives us a great opportunity to teach our kids this lesson. Read more about how to make it happen in the full article.

How to talk to your family about tough topics: Tips from a Maryland Family Therapist

You don’t have to make it the subject of every conversation. But if the conflict is hurting your relationship, it’s time to talk.

1. Set aside time to give the conversation your full attention. 

2. Ask your partner (or parent or sibling) to listen.

3. Use I statements and emotion words to explain how you feel.   

4. Team up to meet both people’s needs.

5. Be curious.

6. Remember that you can’t control another person’s choices. 

Read the full article for details.

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