A Caregiver's Guide to Handling Criticism

A Caregiver's Guide to Handling Criticism Unfortunately, it is common for family caregivers to face unapologetic, uninvolved critics; it's one of their top stressors. And far too often, caregivers who are victims of intolerable critics go on autopilot - apologizing automatically, or believing they really are at fault. Why did you do that? It was a big mistake! Why are you doing it that way? You should do it this way. Seems like a lot of things are going wrong. Use “I" statements to repeat the criticism back to the critic and in a way that Don't believe it. Say things like: “I may handle things differently, but it Apologize only if you really are at fault. Say things like: "I goofed up! The good news is that shows how those words make you feel. Say things like: “It hurts my feelings when you say things like..." "It really upsets me when you criticize everything I do." "I have a hard time spending time with you now because I never know when your critiques are going to come, or the reason that you are making them. doesn't mean that it all is well that ends well! is the wrong way." "I am not a bad person." No harm done, so please don't make more of this than is neces- sary," versus "I am sorry I forgot to call you! I wish I hadn't done that." lift. caregiving liftcaregiving.com