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Assertive Communication: 5 CLEAR Truths to Express Yourself with Confidence
Assertive communication is a powerful tool that allows individuals to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs in a clear and respectful manner. By using “I” statements instead of blaming language, assertive communication promotes healthy relationships, helps avoid conflicts, and enables individuals to set boundaries effectively. Not everyone knows how, or has the confidence, to begin using assertive communication. Using the acronym CLEAR, I have identified 5 truths than can help you gain confidence and understanding that can lead to healthier communication. Clarity through “I” Statements: Assertive communication emphasizes expressing oneself using “I” statements rather than using accusatory language with the word “you.” For instance, instead of saying, “You never listen to…
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Overcoming People-Pleasing Rooted in Mother-Daughter Relationships
Dear women, Do you find yourself constantly trying to please others (people-pleasing), even at the expense of your own happiness? Do you struggle with self-esteem and the idea of perfectionism? If so, you may have been impacted by the coldness and conditional love behaviors of your own mother. It is not uncommon for women to develop people-pleasing tendencies as a result of their upbringing. When a mother’s love is conditional, it can lead to a child feeling like they need to constantly earn love and approval. This can manifest in adulthood as a need to please others, even if it means sacrificing one’s own needs and desires. But the good…
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An Introduction to Basic Communication: Why Assertiveness is Key
Communication is an essential part of our daily lives. It is how we express our thoughts, feelings, and ideas to others. However, not all is created equal. There are three main types of communication: passive, aggressive, and assertive. Each type has its own unique characteristics and can have a significant impact on our relationships with others. Passive Communication Passive communication is when a person does not say what they need or how they feel. Passive communicators are usually afraid of conflict and avoid confrontation at all costs. People who communicate passively often end up isolating themselves, withdrawing from others, and internalizing their feelings. This can lead to feelings of resentment,…
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5 Things to Prepare Your Kids for Back to School Now
School’s In? In between late May to mid-August, it is your kids’ job to relax and have fun. As a parent, you must know what to do to prepare for after summer is over. For kids in Rapides parish, August 14th is right around the corner. Here are a few helpful tips to prepare your kids for back to school. Reinforcing Bedtime While during the summer, it is okay for your little ones to stay up late. On school mornings, the last thing you want is a tired kid. In order to prepare for this now, you can dial back their bedtime 15 minutes every two weeks. By the time…
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Why Every Family Should Have Weekly Meetings, and How to do them Successfully
As families grow and change, it’s important to stay connected and communicate regularly. One way to do this is by having a family meeting. By setting aside time to talk about important topics, you can strengthen your relationships and work together to achieve your goals. To make the most of your family meetings, consider using the FAMLY acronym: Focus on the Good Start your family meeting by talking about the positives. Share good news, celebrate accomplishments, and express gratitude for each other. This sets a positive tone for the rest of the meeting and reminds everyone of the good things in their lives. Focusing on the good can also help…
