May 2, 2024

Advice on How to Deal With Family Politics and COVID-19 Concerns This Thanksgiving

Guidance on How to Deal With Family Politics and COVID-19 Concerns This Thanksgiving

Photo: Karolina Grabowska from Pexels
Lots of families are collecting in person for Thanksgiving for the very first time in two years, which, for many, is a welcome modification from consuming turkey and pie over a Zoom call. However, vacations are typically fraught for households, and this year, the sticking around COVID-19 pandemic and continuing political polarization might add to the potential dispute.
Columbia News asked Peter T. Coleman, professor of psychology and education at Teachers College and the author of “The Way Out: How to Overcome Toxic Polarization,” for his advice on how to steer through the in some cases dirty waters of household get-togethers. Read the Q&A here.

by
Caroline Harting and Acacia OConnor|November 19, 2021