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.
