Radio Commentary
Here are some good tips for
lessening stress in your family.
First, show affection! Let your
children know you love them. Hug them often.
Build your children’s self-esteem.
Listen to their needs and help them develop their own problem-solving skills.
Encourage their interests and
abilities. Treat them as individuals with their own special qualities.
Give your children some of your
undivided attention every day.
Give them a chance to talk about
both the happy AND the stressful events in their lives.
Some every-day concerns that can
cause stress for children are school pressures, alienation, and the demands
that they succeed at everything — school, sports, music, dancing, or other
lessons.
Show your children you understand
their concerns and take them seriously.
Have weekly family meetings to
discuss family activities, routines, and problems.
Give everyone a chance to speak and
don’t allow angry or negative feedback. Work at problem-solving rather than
confrontation.
Use humor or empathy — not orders,
anger, or sarcasm — when asking your children to do something for you.
These seem like small steps but
they can really make a big difference.
