How do you follow up and reinforce positive outcomes after de-escalating a family situation?

2 Give feedback

Another way to follow up after de-escalating a family situation is to give feedback. Feedback is not criticism or judgment, but constructive and supportive information that helps the other person or people grow and improve. Share your observations, feelings, and suggestions about what went well and what could be done better. Use positive and specific language, and avoid blaming or shaming. Invite them to give you feedback as well, and listen with an open mind. Feedback can help you and your family learn from the experience, identify the strengths and areas of improvement, and set goals for the future.

3 Apologize and forgive

A third way to follow up after de-escalating a family situation is to apologize and forgive. Apologizing and forgiving are not signs of weakness, but of courage and compassion. They can help you heal the wounds, repair the damage, and restore the balance. Apologize sincerely and specifically for your actions or words that may have hurt or offended the other person or people. Accept responsibility and express regret, without making excuses or blaming others. Forgive yourself and the other person or people for their actions or words that may have hurt or offended you. Let go of resentment and anger, without condoning or forgetting. Apologizing and forgiving can help you and your family move on from the past, reconcile the differences, and rebuild the trust.

4 Follow through

A fourth way to follow up after de-escalating a family situation is to follow through. Follow through means keeping your promises, fulfilling your commitments, and taking action on the agreed solutions or plans. Show the other person or people that you are reliable, consistent, and accountable. Follow up on the progress, challenges, and outcomes. Provide support, encouragement, and assistance if needed. Celebrate the achievements and milestones. Follow through can help you and your family sustain the positive outcomes, maintain the momentum, and reinforce the cooperation.

5 Check in

A fifth way to follow up after de-escalating a family situation is to check in. Check in means staying in touch, showing interest, and caring about the other person or people. Ask them how they are feeling, what they are thinking, and what they need. Share your own feelings, thoughts, and needs as well. Listen actively, empathically, and respectfully. Respond with kindness, understanding, and validation. Check in can help you and your family strengthen the communication, deepen the connection, and enhance the well-being.

6 Seek help

A sixth way to follow up after de-escalating a family situation is to seek help. Seek help means recognizing when you or your family need professional or external support, and reaching out for it. You may need help if the situation is too complex, intense, or frequent, or if it affects your or your family's mental, emotional, or physical health. You may seek help from a counselor, therapist, mediator, coach, or other qualified person or service. Seek help can help you and your family access the resources, skills, and strategies that can help you cope, resolve, and prevent further escalation.