Here are some good tips for reducing stress in your family.
First, show affection! Let your children know you love them. Hug them often.
Nurture 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 activities.
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 — rather than 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.
