How to prepare for complex family dynamics and divisive issues at holiday gatherings

With many seasonal holidays approaching, people are preparing potluck dishes and festive playlists for get-togethers of all sorts. Many are also getting ready to navigate complex, and often fraught, family dynamics.

On Thursday’s St. Louis on the Air, Dr. Marva Robinson, a clinical psychologist, shared practical tips for navigating complicated family relationships.

“Focus on compassionate empathy versus one side being right or the other,” Robinson suggested.

She also offered guidance to help people manage physical and psychological space, especially around war and politics — two topics with potential to be divisive.

“I generally recommend, for Thanksgiving and large gatherings, to not have the news playing in the background because that can be triggering. You can't control for which images may pop up or who may want to tune into a different news station.”