Stressed-out Family? Seek Constructive Change - Part 3

One of the most exciting opportunities that come our way is choosing to live our lives differently from what we've done in the past. An opportunity may suddenly appear, and we have a chance to inaugurate a change. To let an opportunity pass without giving it consideration would be like turning your back on the chance of a lifetime.

Recognizing how to change is good insight, which is the key to transformation. I had a conversation with someone who had a terrible fight with her adult brother. This fight could have caused long-lasting alienation, but she decided to call her brother and apologize for her part in the conflict. This was her opportunity to choose reconciliation rather than alienation.

Everyone is capable of attitudes that destroy trust, which is needed for every aspect of life. Poisoning trust can be subtle, but destructive. Is this the time to redirect how you can be as a person? Micah 6:8 puts it this way, "What does the Lord require of you, but act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Stressed-out Family? Seek Constructive Change - Part 2

Most parents want their children to have character traits that will enable them to endure the stressors of growing up in an ever-changing culture. Strong character traits give children determination to withstand the pressures of life. Stress is derived from various sources and, when coupled with anxiety and tension, can be a detriment to building resilience.

Child development experts expound on the benefits of tender, loving care given to children during the developmental years. Researchers believe that long-term, chronic stress impairs physical and mental health. Stressed-out people may have trouble establishing close, nurturing relationships. Doing well in school or at work is jeopardized where too much stress exists.

Responsive and encouraging caregivers help build the resilience children need to cope with stress later in life. Even in a troubled environment parents can provide reassurance and encouragement to help children feel secure. God does this for you by helping you realize that Christ Jesus is present and trustworthy to guide you through difficult, troubled times.  

Stressed-out Family? Seek Constructive Change - Part 1

Life is stressful, and learning to managing stress constructively is a necessity. Continuously struggling with stress produces tension and anxiety that trigger symptoms like headaches, stomach issues, and neck and back pain. Stress in children may be acted out behaviorally, like a six-year-old’s disruptive classroom antics brought on by his parent’s marital battles.

While it’s impossible to stress-proof your children or to protect them from troubles, you can help them cope with the uncertainties of life. Telling your children age-appropriate truth prepares them for reality. Imagine the parents of a four-year-old in divorce proceedings. The mother and child abruptly move to another state without preparing the child for these changes.

While it's not healthy to tell a four-year-old details of a nasty divorce, age-appropriate truth helps to prepare them for important changes and to reassure them of your love and commitment. Helping your child grieve and express anger in non-destructive ways can prevent unacceptable acting out. God will come to your aid when the storms of life seem overwhelming.