Energy consumption and the environment


How Politics Can Teach the Sandwich Generation a Lesson in Communication

Senator John Kerry said his remark, "If you2. As body language and tone of voice count,
don't study hard you get stuck in Iraq," wasassume a non-threatening stance and monitor
a joke gone awry. President George W. Bushyour negative emotions. Be slow to complain
was critical, commenting to the Associatedor criticize. Take some responsibility by
Press that "it didn't sound like a joke tousing "I-focused" statements to clarify that
me. More important, it didn't sound like athis  is  your  personal  opinion.
joke  to  the  troops." What  did you think?
3. Listen closely without planning your
With the election right around the corner,response. Be empathic to the speaker's
the political stakes are high. Some bloggersposition and ask questions for clearer
and journalists in the Conservative camp areunderstanding. Try to put yourself in the
focused on Senator John Kerry's "campaignother's shoes and look at the issue from that
gaffe." Others on the Democratic team viewvantage  point.
this fixation as a GOP talking point - a
smoke screen for President Bush's4. In a conflict, count to 10 before
"inappropriately  conducted  war."responding. Or, instead of escalating, walk
away. Take time to calm down and agree to
Our concern is more personal - what lessonsreturn to the discussion later and work out a
can you, the Sandwich Generation, learn aboutsolution.
your own communication with your emerging
adult  children  and  aging  parents?5. Sometimes you do know what is best. Take
a stand and hold your ground when the safety
We all know that words can hurt. An offhandor well being of your children or parents is
remark or slip of the tongue can beat stake. Be patient as they grow to
emotionally damaging. If the World War IIappreciate your position, even if it's
motto, "loose lips sink ships," is leavingunpopular  at  the  time.
you with what has been termed the
"foot-in-mouth syndrome," add the followingIf political history is prologue, it seems
tips  to  your  communication  toolbox.like it is human nature to defend yourself
initially. Instead of fighting back, take
1. When addressing a sensitive issue, state asome time to reflect. Discuss your feelings
specific goal you want to accomplish. Bewith your family in flux about an issue that
direct and clear in what you say. Don'trequires an apology. Use this as an
accuse or blame your listener's character oropportunity - turn negative feelings into
ideas.more positive ones, teach a life lesson, form
a deeper connection.



1 A B C 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91