Managing Stress, A Family Effort

Like their parents, children also experience stress. Children may feel stress from schoolwork, athletics, and their social lives. In addition, events that directly affect the entire family such as the arrival of a new baby, or fights between siblings or parents inflict stress upon all family members. It is important to realize and examine how these stressful situations affect the family as a whole, not just the individual.

The key to maintaining a healthy and productive family is learning, as a unit, how to manage stress. The first step that families need to take is to learn about the different things that are happening in each other’s lives. Knowing what family members do throughout the day provides a better understanding of the way they feel and behave.

In addition to understanding the potentially stressful events that each member experiences, it is important to discuss events that affect the entire family. Find out how each member views an issue that is occurring within the home. Does everyone view it as important, or do they agree that it is insignificant? Or is everyone in complete disagreement? Learning each family member’s view will provide a better understanding of the level of stress they are experiencing.

While it is important for family members to interact when managing stressful situations, it is also important for them to regularly participate in activities that promote interaction. Going on a weekend trip, playing a game of basketball, or seeing a movie are all relatively simple and enjoyable activities that promote family interaction. A family who engages in these activities will feel more comfortable communicating their concerns when a stressful event or situation arises.

Behaviors that attempt to mask or ignore problems only increase levels of stress among family members. Open lines of communication along with behavior that promotes love and support will enable a family to successfully manage their lives and their stress.

What should we talk about?

Once family members have discussed their points of view concerning an issue, they may then examine the different options, resources, and limitations that are available to them. These include:

• the family’s communication patterns

• their ability to solve problems

• their goals

• money

• relatives and friends

• services in the community.

After looking at these factors together, families should then decide on a plan of action using their resources. Talking about each family member’s  concerns, then looking at  the options available, will allow families to work through their problems together to effectively manage their stress.