Family Boundaries During the Holidays

12/19/22 • 44 min

Holiday time often means lots of time with family. Family dynamics can be tough as it is, and then you add the pressure of the holidays, it can be a lot for anyone to manage. Whether you have a really wonderful, close relationship with your family or you tolerate them for a few hours a couple of times a year, holiday gatherings have a way of being stressful, chaotic, and sometimes straight-up uncomfortable. That's where family boundaries come in. Our guest on today's episode, Elizabeth Kaufman, helps us navigate best practices going into or dealing with tricky situations with family. We discuss boundaries, family traditions (keeping or breaking them), and how to handle when family are upset with your choices. Elizabeth then addresses a few "Dear Elizabeth" questions from our listeners, giving advice on specific situations. Meet Elizabeth Kaufman Elizabeth Kaufman Therapy Elizabeth Kaufman, LCMFT, is a clinically licensed mental health therapist and the owner of Elizabeth Kaufman Therapy. She works with couples and individuals to go below the surface of day-to-day survival mode and create new patterns for their lives. Elizabeth specializes in anxiety and identity work, guiding clients to heal from unhelpful messages and wounds and live according to their values. In addition to practicing therapy, Elizabeth is an adjunct professor for a local graduate therapy program and a Kansas Behavioral Sciences Board-approved supervisor for therapists seeking clinical licensure. In her free time, Elizabeth loves to cook, travel, and spend time with family. What We're Loving In Kansas City Wee Create Studio Started by a local mom, Wee Create Studio in Mission is an awesome place for any kid interested in art. Their classes and workshops focus on process-based art exploration and learning. Check out their classes for littles, after school classes, special workshops and parents night out. Turnstyles Thrift Store TurnStyles Thrift is more than your average thrift shop. You’ll find great bargains on unique clothes, affordable housewares, and more—but as you’re shopping, you are supporting more than 20 programs run by Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. Visit Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!

Previous Episode

Top Toys and Gifts By Age

It's holiday time and just a few more weeks of shopping left! If you're looking for gift ideas, this episode is for you. Jane Girson, owner of The The Learning Tree in Prairie Village, highlights top toys by age group, which Toyas are worth investing in and the importance of shopping local. You will walk away with some great ideas for not only holiday gifting but year-round ideas! For more ideas on shopping local, check out our ShopKC 2022 :: Local Shopping Guide! Meet Jane Girson The Learning Tree Jane grew up in Kansas City and went to college in California where she her husband, Jonny. They moved back to KC when their first child was born and opened The Learning Tree almost 27 years ago. Prior to opening her store, she was an elementary school teacher. Jane is passionate about toys and children! Nothing delights her more than interacting with the kids that come into her toy store. She loves helping kids learn and explore the world around them. She has three adult-age children of her own all over the country and thankfully loves to travel! Follow The Learning Tree on Instagram, Facebook, or visit their webpage. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!

Next Episode

How to Play with Your Kids

It's currently winter time here in Kansas City and for many of us, that means lots of indoor play for our kids. We know this can be challenging for moms who are also trying to balance work, other children or household responsibilities. We start to ask ourselves questions like: How engaged should we be with our kids during play? What kind of play is valuable? How important is independent play, and how do we encourage it? Here to help us with these questions today is Julie Gettings, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is co-owner of a private practice, KC PCIT. Meet Julie Gettings Julie has worked with children and families for 25 years, 23 of those being at Children's Mercy Hospital. She is now co-owner of the local private practice KC PCIT. They treat children and families with a focus on evidence-based treatments including Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Exposure and Response Prevention, SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions),Trauma-Focused CBT and other treatment modalities. Outside of her work, Julie is passionate about her which includes her two kids (ages 21 and 24) and her husband. She loves helping parents find ways to build a positive relationship with their child that will allow them to stay connected even through the challenging years of tween, teen and beyond. Follow KC PIT on Instagram and Facebook, or visit their webpage. What We're Loving In Kansas City Get Nerfed Get Nerfed is the area's only Nerf Battle Arena and is the newest attraction designed for family fun and entertainment. From open play to organized events, Get Nerfed is fun for all ages. Best of all, moms don't have to pick up all the darts! Kids get to pick their Nerf gun/equipment and play in a room full of obstacles. There's also an indoor play area with inflatables and other fun options for younger children. Megan's son, Gage, has not stopped talking about this place since they went! Rainbow of the Heartland This is a local favorite for open indoor play in Olathe! Take your kids to check out and play on all the incredible swing sets in the Rainbow show room. There are also trampolines, a small basketball court, and picnic tables. Open play is available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The cost is $7.50 per child cash/check or $8.00 per child credit card. They offer punch cards – 5 Plays for $35 and 10 Plays for $65. Follow on Facebook for other special offers or changes to open play times and dates! Check out our Indoor Play Guide for more fun ideas! Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!