How Do I Get My Kids To Stop Fighting?

Show notes:

In this week’s episode:

How Do I Get My Kids To Stop Fighting?

You can listen to the full interview by clicking on the link below:
(only available to Members of Sue’s Parenting Club Online)

Sue in conversation with Annamarie Dack   

Sue talks Brexit Mental Health

The debates about Brexit have been going on for three years now and, as we enter the run-up to the next Brexit deadline at the end of October, it is normal and expected that our stress on this issue may keep increasing.

Brexit coverage seems to have left millions of us sometimes feeling powerless, angry or worried for all sorts of different reasons.  What is going to happen to jobs, to the economy, and to immigration numbers?  Why is it taking so long?  What will our relationship be like with Europe and the rest of the world if we do leave the EU?

During times of political uncertainty and change, we can’t always control the news we’re exposed to.  But, within our immediate circle of influence, we can help to minimise the negative impact that the Brexit debate can have on us and our families.

As well as giving you tips, we will also share supporter comments on what you have done to cope with Brexit. These have been taken from our social media channels. Thank you for your feedback!

Here are my top tips for dealing with Brexit anxiety:

Stay informed, but be aware of your limits

Consider how much information and news you take in and reflect on how it’s affecting you.  If you are getting angry or frustrated, reduce your intake of news.

If a specific topic comes up that you feel strongly about, you could post on social media. But think first and avoid ranting, and don’t rise to the bait of abusive language.

Don’t get upset if everyone doesn’t agree with your point of view.

You may want to mute or turn off news notifications on your smartphone or limit your news intake to once daily. You could read a morning paper or website or watch the evening news.

Remember that not everything you may read or hear is necessarily true, the Brexit debate can be polarising leading to exaggeration from all sides of the argument.

“Getting more clarity about the news lessens my anxiety.”

Get involved with your community

If you feel that political change is affecting your community, see if you can be meaningfully involved with local grassroots or community groups working on issues that are important to you.

We know that helping others is good for your mental health.

For example, if you are concerned about Brexit’s impact, try volunteering for something that will help people in need in your local community.

You may want to seek the views of your local MP who represents you in Parliament or see if any local events have been organised where Brexit is being discussed.

Use your voice

Regardless of where you stand on Brexit or other issues, you may feel powerless if you have opinions but remain distant.

You could join a political party if you feel this could amplify your voice, or you could also explore ways to be engaged in a political community.

For example, you could take part in a peaceful organised rally, attend hustings or join relevant events or debates.

Civic and political activism may make you feel more empowered and give you an avenue to express your thoughts in a constructive way.

You could write a letter to your local paper or online community forums.

“Signing petitions makes me feel a little more empowered.”

Focus on what you’ve got in common

Brexit is something which you and some of your friends and family may have different opinions about.

If the topic comes up, try to avoid heated discussions and conflict and, instead, focus on identifying overlaps between your different views.  There may be things that you can agree on.

But if you don’t agree, don’t be abusive to your friends and family or about the politicians involved in the Brexit debate.

Remember that it is good to treat people with respect.

“I am focusing on my immediate circle of influence.”

Don’t bottle it up

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the implications of Brexit for you and/or people you know, don’t suppress your feelings.

Seek support, talk to a friend, family member or your GP.

There are also telephone helplines that provide vital emotional support during stressful times. See how you can get help here.

If you are stressed about your long-term status at work because of changes in immigration rules, or discussions about your company moving staff from the UK, then talk to your HR colleagues to get assurances.  Contact your employer’s Employee Assistance Programme, if there is one, for psychological support.

“My friends are my support.”

Look after your mental health

Remember to keep allocating time to things, activities and actions that are good for your mental health.

What works will be different for each person, although we know that good quality sleep is important for the mental health of all of us.

Other examples include exercising, eating healthy foods, avoiding alcohol, spending quality time with friends and taking a break to spend time on a hobby. All of these will make you feel better and take your mind off the stress of the news cycle.

“I have been focusing on my own mental health”.

Talk to your children

Research shows that scary news is likely to affect your children.

Notice how your children are exposed to news and whether their behaviour has changed (for example, are they getting easily irritated or are having nightmares).

Have an honest discussion with them, be truthful, give them facts, and allow plenty of time for questions.

Remember that small doses of real time news are helpful, but over-exposure is not.

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