Teen Relations - By Klaus Klein http://ezezine.com
Teen Relations Newsletter : by Klaus Klein MA, RCC
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In this Newsletter Issue:
1. Feature Article :"Marriage, Family, and the
Impact of Economic Stress"
2. Free Workshop " Becoming the Parent Your Teen Needs"
--Intro to Parent Program
3. Counselling Services
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1) Feature Article
--Marriage, Family, and the Impact of Economic Stress---
You may not be in control of your job or the economic downturn,
but you and your spouse can always find positive and resourceful
ways to handle the impact of economic stress on your marriage and
your family. How you handle this stress can actually bring you closer
to each other. It does not have to cause distance and continual
conflict.
If you are experiencing financial stress due to the down
turn in the economy you likely can relate to the following:
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Feelings: confusion, fear, panic, guilt, shame, anger
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Beliefs: I can't trust anyone, the world is not safe, the end is near
I don't know what to do.
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Energy Level : exhausted, feel like you are spinning inside, sense of
turmoil. Feeling a need to retreat or withdraw.
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If you are not aware or too overwhelmed to deal with what you're
going through you may find that you are taking your frustrations,
fears, or other emotions out on your partner, your spouse, or the kids.
If any of the above sounds familiar, you need to find ways to feel a
sense of peace with yourself, understanding and acceptance
between you and your spouse, and understanding for how the stress
may be impacting your children.
Below are some helpful guidelines for dealing with financial
stress:
· --Slow Yourself Down--
Watch for signs that the stress has gotten to the point where your
emotions feel like they are in chaos and your head is 'spinning'.
· --Breath Before Reacting--
Consciously take some breaths to calm yourself before you react
in a negative way towards the people most dear to you.
· --Focus On How You Are Experiencing Yourself--
Allow yourself to become aware of your emotions –- don’t judge,
just acknowledge and accept that emotions come and go and that
they are yours to deal with.
· --Become Aware Of Your Thoughts About Yourself--
Realize what you're creating and repeating in your head and how
this affects your actions. Getting caught in a negative "spinning
cycle" can keep you from taking positive action. There can always
be at least one positive aspect about yourself you can appreciate
and focus on.For some it may be "I know I will never give up."
Or "no matter what happens I will protect and cherish the
relationships I have with my spouse and family." Reminding yourself
of these positive aspects of yourself and your life can begin the
switch from hopelessness and despair to taking positive action
regardless how small.
· --Look At Your Internal Assets--
What do you bring to the relationship and to your children?
It could be a commitment not to give up on them, it could be the
courage to share your fears, disappointments, and hopes about
yourself with your partner instead of trying to hide and deny them.
It could be the strength not to give in to despair, but to focus on
being creative in a financial crisis along with your spouse and family.
· --Make A Commitment To Your Family--
Decide how you are going to be with family members during times
of crisis or stress. Keep in mind that your marriage is not your pay
check or house. You may loose money but that does not mean loosing
the internal assets that you have with your spouse or partner that
make a marriage.
In the end you can be responsible for how you are going to be in
your family. You can continue contributing to your family from your
personal assets regardless of external changes and stress.
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2) Free Workshop
Intro to Parent Program 'Becoming the Parent Your Teen Needs'
This is a 2- hour free introduction class to the Parenting Program
When: Tuesday October 27, from 6 - 8pm.
Location: Burnaby Office 2nd Floor 5050 Kingsway Burnaby -- near
Metrotown Station -- Parking at London Drugs
Limited number of participants
e-mail for registration: freetalk@kdkcounselling.com
Website : http://www.kdkcounselling.com/parent_program.htm
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3) Counselling Services
I provide counselling for teens, parents, and family.
Call for a free 10-minute consultation 604-786-0709
Website: http://www.kdkcounselling.com/index.htm
Burnaby Office location: 2nd Floor 5050 Kingsway Burnaby -- near
Metrotown Station
Vancouver Office Location: 2nd Floor 1892 West Broadway -- near Cyprus
and Broadway
Hours: 4-7 pm Mon, Tues, and Wed
Klaus Klein is a Register Clinical Counsellor in BC