Reframing Me
So many prepare us for the transition to motherhood, but no one prepares us for how hard the transition out is, and once our kids become teens, it also can feel very solitary. The issues we face with teens are often ones we need to talk about, yet feel we can't or shouldn't. Together, we can create a community of women who, faced with growing children and changing families, are relearning how to mom, and relearning who they are as women. Grounded in family communication theory, join Dr. Jennifer Brubaker to have those conversations to help you better understand this new chapter of your life. Episodes focus on both family communication with our teens and reflection and self discovery. Dr. Brubaker has her Ph.D in Communication Studies and is an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where she has taught for 17 years. Prior to UNCW, she taught at The Ohio State University, Kent State University and the University of Toledo. Originally from Ohio, Jen lives in Wilmington, NC, with her husband, three children, three dogs, cat and a menagerie of small animals. She loves spending time with her family, traveling and all things fitness, sports and wellness. Reach out with your questions, issues or experiences to begin the conversation. Or reach out to say hi and let me know you’re listening :) Join the Reframing Me: The Podcast Community Facebook group to connect with others who are looking to relearn how to parent, now that their kids are teens, and rediscover who they are as women, beyond the framework of motherhood. Send emails to jen@reframing-me.com; or on socials: Reframing Me on FacebookAND join the Facebook group Reframing Me: The Podcast Community; @reframingme on Instagram; Reframing Me on YouTube @reframingme on TikTok
Reframing Me
Reframing the Conversation Part 6: Rebuilding Relationships
Thank you for being here for this important and timely conversation! Part 6 is a discussion to guide communication and repair family relationships that have been damaged by political differences. It addresses the growing polarization in society, which has led to strained familial ties, and offers practical strategies for reconciliation. The focus is on understanding the deep emotional bonds within families and how political conflicts, though often surface-level, can exacerbate underlying emotional issues such as past resentments or betrayals.
Key strategies for repairing relationships include practicing active listening, empathy, and setting clear boundaries around political discussions. It's important to avoid accusatory language and focus on expressing personal feelings and needs in a non-confrontational way. The document also emphasizes reframing conversations to focus on shared values and common ground rather than trying to persuade the other person.
In some cases, professional help may be needed if deeper emotional or psychological issues are at play. The process of reconciliation is gradual and requires consistent effort, trust-building, and a willingness to engage in small, positive interactions over time. The document encourages the use of communication skills and patience as essential tools for navigating political disagreements in families, ultimately aiming to preserve and strengthen these long-term relationships.
Dr. Jennifer Brubaker is a professor of Communication Studies at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and teaches and publishes in both Family Communication and Political Communication. “Reframing the Conversation” is a six-part series that focuses on addressing the challenges that families face in communicating across political divides. It explores the psychology behind political polarization and examines how society has reached this point of division. The series emphasizes using strategies like empathy, active listening, and finding common ground to foster healthier conversations and mend complicated relationships. By reframing the way political and family discussions are approached, individuals can work towards reconnecting despite their differences and strengthening their relationships.
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