It’s human nature to complain—especially when we are stressed. Venting to sympathetic family members allows us to process our worries and problems. But complaining can be harmful. And you might not even be aware of it.
Children are always listening. Whether it’s at the dinner table or in the car, or simply them eavesdropping, children pick up things. If a parent speaks negatively about a family member, a child will remember their parent’s anger and tension. They will remember what is said. And they can form a negative attitude toward that family member.
The same is true for the family business. Carping about the business may lead your child to associate frustration, stress, and dissatisfaction with the business. It can make them less interested in the business. Of course, bad things will happen within and to the business. But there are better ways to manage the anxiety.
Read “Venting with Purpose: How to Complain about Your Family” for healthy ways to complain about your family business. You will also come away with tips on how to respond in a productive manner to complaints.
Read about creating a family constitution for your family business here.
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