Hello fellow parents and holiday enthusiasts! As the holiday season approaches, a question arises: Should we insist that our children embrace everyone they encounter during family gatherings? It's a thoughtful choice to grant our little ones autonomy over their hugs.Read more here. This article appears in my November newsletter coming out today. If you would like to get on my email list, please contact VSpeaks@VeronicaListens.com.

Toxic positivity is when people act overly positive and dismiss or ignore negative emotions or problems. It's like pretending everything is perfect even when it's not, and it can make others feel like their genuine feelings are being brushed aside or invalidated. Toxic positivity during the holiday season can exacerbate depression and anxiety by discouraging open discussions about genuine emotions, fostering unrealistic expectations, and isolating those who are struggling. It's important to promote a more balanced and empathetic approach to emotional well-being during this time. Click below for more info. My newsletter comes out next Wed., Nov. 29. If you would like to be included on the email list, please notify us at VSpeaks@VeronicaListens.com. Happy Thanksgiving!

Ever wish you had a magic wand to make family gatherings feel like a cozy sitcom episode? Click below to learn the secrets to sibling harmony during the holidays and help heal from family dysfunction.

During these times, we may feel a simultaneous yearning to go home and spend time with our loved ones, as well as apprehension and anxiety about re-entering an environment where past hurts and negative patterns persist. This conflicting emotional tug-of-war can be emotionally taxing, as the pull of responsibility draws us in one direction, while our desire to escape the discomfort pulls us in another. The result is a complex web of emotions that often leads to feelings of guilt and confusion. Click below to read about ways to manage painful family dynamics during the holiday season and stay tuned for next week, where I suggest ways to heal from family dysfunction.

Can you believe it’s November? Besides Thanksgiving, November is also Child Safety and Protection Month.  In the spirit of this theme, I thought I could write about nurturing and protecting our children’s emotional safety.  One way to do this is through conversation. Whether it is spontaneous or planned, you want it to be positive, inspiring, and most importantly a memorable experience. By learning to have these conversations, your family bond will grow stronger by creating a loving, supportive space. Click here for conversation tips for happy parent-child chats.

Self-care isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. It’s a uniquely personal practice that evolves based on our life experiences, the way we learn, and our distinct personalities. There is no right or wrong way to practice it, and no two self-care routines are identical. It's a reminder that we are all wonderfully individual, and our self-care journeys should reflect that beautiful diversity. This article is also highlighted in my October Newsletter. Contact VSpeaks@VeronicaListens.com if you would like to receive my monthly newsletter, which is delivered the last Wednesday of every month. Please have a safe Halloween and remember to schedule your mammograms and take care of YOU.

What are your fears? Everyone has something they are apprehensive about. In previous posts, I’ve spoken about my fear of heights (acrophobia). In the grand scheme of life, fears and phobias can be formidable barriers, but they are not insurmountable. We each have our own 'acrophobia,' a fear that, when confronted, can lead to personal growth and profound experiences. So, whether it's the fear of heights, the fear of the unknown, or any other phobia that holds you back, remember this: you have the power to choose how you navigate your fears. Embrace the discomfort, take that step, and let the journey of self-discovery begin.