Have You Stepped Up for Extended Kin?

Some kin step up to help a sibling, nephew or niece. They are there against all odds.

Often it’s a rescue mission, perhaps saving the kin from themselves or a situation beyond their control.

All too often, it’s thankless.

So, on behalf of those persons you’ve stepped up for, let me thank you.

Even if the person is problematic and continues to have problems, the likelihood is that they are still better off for what you have provided.

A challenge often faced in these scenarios though, is not over-extending oneself.

While good to give of yourself, be mindful of other obligations and relationships such that they don’t suffer for your time, energy and resources on behalf of the extended loved one.

You may find yourself having to set some limits boundaries and expectations with respect to your involvement and support.

You are not being bad or neglectful to do so. You are just recognizing and working within your capabilities and the needs of your partner and kids at the same time.

So, thank you and don’t guilt yourself for not doing more when you are already juggling doing your best.

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I am Gary Direnfeld and I am a social worker. Check out all my services and then call me if you need help with a personal issue, mental health concern, child behavior or relationship, divorce or separation issue or even help growing your practice. I am available in person and by video conferencing.

Gary Direnfeld, MSW, RSW

gary@yoursocialworker.com
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Gary Direnfeld is a social worker. Courts in Ontario, Canada, consider him an expert in social work, marital and family therapy, child development, parent-child relations and custody and access matters. Gary is the host of the TV reality show, Newlywed, Nearly Dead, former parenting columnist for the Hamilton Spectator and author of Marriage Rescue: Overcoming the ten deadly sins in failing relationships. Gary maintains a private practice in Georgina Ontario, providing a range of services for people in distress. He speaks at conferences and workshops throughout North America. He consults to mental health professionals as well as to mediators and collaborative law professionals about good practice as well as building their practice.