Tips to Minimize Family Stress

Parents play a critical role in setting the tone within their family and household...

While this is true throughout the year, it is even more important when transitions occur, such as a new school year, the addition of a child or another family member, or at the difficult times of divorce or unemployment. As parents, we teach our children how to maneuver these tiems of stress by the words we choose, our actions, then expressions on our faces, our tone of voice and the time we spend with our family. Some practical suggestions to minimize family stress are: 1. Eat dinner together, as a full family, as often as possible. Aim for at least 3-4 times weekly, though more is better. The food doesn't need to be special, the important things is that everyone is togeher, TV and other distractions are off, and everyone is able to share. 2. Keep your children ona routine schedule. This is true even for our middle school and high school students. Regular times for bed, meals, homework, etc., help everything from attention spans, to digestionand sleept habits. 3. Working parents, to the extent possible, shold also maintain regular schedules. 4. Attend worship together. Like the family meal, this provides a 1-2 hour break in the week for everyone to be together and to strengthen our moral compass. 5. Schedule a family night once per week. There are 3 nights on the weekend, reserve one for everyone to be home and to relax together as a family. This can be your game/movie/pizza night, or anything else that reinforces your family unit. 6. Do not over schedule your children. Say"NO" when the activites become too many. Focus on the priorities. We should not expect, nor should we allow, our children to do everythng that they want. Instead of "super kid", parents should focus on raising children that are happy and well rounded. 7. Volunteer with your children's activities. If you coach, carry gear, chaperone, or teach religios education, these activites have th potential to become part of your family routine. 8. Make regular time for yourself as a couple - nurture your marital relationship. This can be different for each couple. With younger children, regular bedtimes cna provide some alone time for the parents on most evenings. A "date" every 4-6 weeks can allow time for husband and wife to have some relaxation. Be creative, but make it a priority. Shared by the coworkers a Livingston County Catholic Social Services.