14 Days to Christmas: Safe Word

There comes a moment, or a few moments, when we are with family, that we want to run and hide. That is a very natural response when we find ourselves in unfamiliar circumstances. Yes, these are the people you might have grown up with, and you spend every holiday with them. But these are not your normal circumstances.

Sit down with your family and discuss this. It is not important to know when this word will be applied, because we cannot predict when it will be needed.

The important thing is that you, your spouse, and your children know that no questions will be asked, only love will be given. (We know children, it is important to explain that this word is a very special word and cannot be abused, otherwise it loses its meaning and value.)

• Choose a word unique to every member of the family.

• They know that they will be honoured when they implement this word, and they will not be manipulated. (This is a very powerful recognition - it teaches us that we are heard, we are valued, and we are loved.)

• This word may be used even after the holidays - or not?

• No questions asked, you get to leave the environment. With smaller children, one of the parents should accompany the child, because very likely they need to de-stress, and they might not know how to. Also, they need to be reminded that they are safe and loved.