Family
Life
3 Things to Do If You’re Terrified of Your Parent Dying
If watching them age is causing dark-thought spirals, here’s what a psychologist recommends.
By Cathryne Keller
Mental health
What to Do When You Lose Your Temper and Really Regret it
Feeling bad about your outburst might actually be a good thing.
By Jenna Ryu
“Shut your pie hole”
How to Respond to Relatives Who Feel the Need to Comment on Your Food and Body
A guide to gently (or firmly) telling people to mind their own business.
By Christine Byrne, MPH, RD
If Your Mom Was Extra Hard on You So You Would “Have a Good Life,” Raise Your Hand
Whether she pressured you to get a certain job, look a certain way, or marry a certain kind of person, you’re in good company.
By Julia Ries
Life
What to Do If Your People-Focused Job Completely Drains Your Social Battery
These little strategies can help you preserve some energy for your loved ones—and yourself.
By Jessica A. Gold, MD
Getaway plan
How to Avoid Fighting With Your Family on Your Summer Vacation
Whether you’re going on a proper trip together or planning a hometown visit, here’s how to stay calm(ish).
By Julia Ries
Hold my calls
How to Recover When Socializing Has Totally Drained Your Battery
You don’t necessarily have to avoid other people to take a breather.
By Jenna Ryu
Cross check
What to Do When You’re Super Cranky and Hate Everyone
When the group chat ping instantly makes you irrationally irritated, it’s time to take a beat.
By Julia Ries
Life
3 Things to Do After an Incredibly Draining Family Visit
Even if you adore your relatives, it can all be A Lot.
By Julia Ries
SELF Daily
Make your inbox healthier and happier with the latest SELF stories, delivered fresh daily.
Keke Palmer Got Real About the Pressure of Breastfeeding: It’s Been a ‘Doozy’
“It isn’t that easy. And if it is for you, wonderful. But I think more often than not, it’s difficult.”
By Kayla Blanton
Bruce Willis’s Daughter Shared the Early Dementia Symptom His Family Missed
“I’ve known that something was wrong for a long time,” Tallulah wrote in an emotional essay.
By Kayla Blanton
I Want to Be a Good Dad. That Means Showing Up for Myself, Too
Here’s how I’m taking care of my mental health as a new father.
By Mychal Denzel Smith
‘Keep Him Emotional’: Jane Fonda Has Some Advice for People Raising Sons
She discussed contending with mom guilt—and what she’s learned about being there for boys.
By Maggie O'Neill
Mommy issues
12 Realistic Tips for Managing Mom Guilt, From Mothers Who Get It
“You don’t have to be everything to everyone all the time.”
By Jenna Ryu
Health
How to Cope With ‘Anticipatory Grief’ When a Loved One Is Dying
Knowing a loss is coming doesn’t make it any easier.
By Jenna Ryu
Pedro Pascal Opens Up About Losing His Mother at Age 24
The actor felt “parental” toward his younger siblings as they all worked through grief.
By Maggie O'Neill
Nuclear fission
6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Cutting Off a Toxic Family Member
Therapist Nedra Tawwab wrote the book on the subject (literally).
By Samantha Vincenty
Relative peace
3 Things to Do When a Family Member Won’t Change Their Toxic Behavior
You can’t force them to evolve, but you also don’t have to stay stuck.
By Jennifer Chen
Jane Fonda Is Not ‘Scared of Dying’—but She Does Have a Major Regret in Life
At 85, the actor is still learning how to “show up” for her kids.
By Maggie O'Neill
The New Obesity Guidelines for Kids Are Appalling
And I’m not the only eating disorder expert who’s outraged.
By Christine Byrne, MPH, RD
Screen savers
The Best Movies and Shows to Watch When You’re Sitting Around With Your Family
From crowd-pleasing series to feel-good films for all ages.
By Samantha Vincenty
Parental advisory
How to Make the Most of Your Time Off, Even If Your Family Is Exhausting
Yes, the holidays can still be restful even if your family isn’t.
By Maggie O'Neill
Health
How 11 Therapists Deal With Their Stressful Families During the Holidays
Yep, they struggle with boundaries this time of year too.
By Sharon Kwon, LCSW