To clear up the negative emotions you have with your parents or children, take a moment to do the following four steps:
Step one:
Go to a quiet place and think about what really makes you angry with your loved one. This is the time for honestly listing the flaws, mistakes, habits and traits that bother you.
Step two:
List everything you admire and are grateful for in your loved one.
Step three:
Now comes the harder part, honestly ask yourself which traits are you perpetuating in the family tradition. Feelings of guilt may make it hard for you to acknowledge your parents flaws or your own, so it might be wise to ask your spouse for input.
Step four:
Finally, make a plan of action to change the negative traits.
These four steps reveal a great deal. Because of feeling guilty and wishing to avoid blame, you may inadvertently be carrying on the same mistakes generation after generation.