Tips for dealing with family stress
Quick help for harmonious coexistence
A constant row because your child is nagging about homework or doesn't want to practise for the next class test? One deadline after another? And the constant discussions about tidying up, the agreed screen time and bedtime make you tired? Phew - what family doesn't know them: these stressful phases caused by small and large conflicts. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, living together can be quite challenging. That's when it's good to know simple strategies to regain your composure. Read what scientists and experts recommend to find a better way of dealing with family stress.
Ideas for families
The National Center for Early Intervention has compiled tips and ideas that can make everyday life with children easier:
The suggestions are divided into five chapters:
Staying strong as a family!
Sometimes it's not so easy to do justice to all family members. Activities such as putting make-up together or a concert with glasses of water are not only fun, but also bring everyone closer together.
Stay relaxed and calm as parents!
When everyday family life becomes too stressful and nerve-wracking, code words or walks in nature can help you find some peace and quiet and recharge your batteries.
Do something nice together!
Time flies, especially with children. With little highlights in everyday life such as baking a lucky number or fun dice games, you can capture very special moments together.
Things that give us hope!
It's important to focus on the positive, especially in difficult times. In these situations, it can help to think of loved people around you. Even colorful window pictures make hearts big and small beat faster.
Get strong and stay strong!
Sometimes children experience overwhelming moments. By drawing happiness lists or collecting happy moments, you can playfully talk to your child about feelings and provide positive impulses.
The tips can help you to cope better with small and big lows. The suggestions were compiled by the National Center for Early Intervention in cooperation with the German Society for Systemic Therapy, Counselling and Family Therapy. You can find all the ideas on the Elternsein portal under the keyword "How to cope with crises - ideas for families".
Dealing with stress
The project "Families under pressure" also offers you help in dealing with stress. The short video clips were compiled by mental health scientists and experts and recorded by various celebrities from radio and television.
In the lovingly illustrated videos, TV presenter Jörg Pilawa, for example, gives you helpful tips on how to stay calm when your child freaks out. And dancer and choreographer Oana Nechiti, as a mother of two sons, knows the feeling of not being good enough. She explains how to stay positive and motivated.
All the tips are easy to implement and can contribute to a more harmonious family life - no matter how stressful everyday life can sometimes be. You can find tips and tricks for dealing with stress and anger on the internet portal Families under pressure.
Where can we find help and advice?
There is potential for conflict in every family from time to time. Don't be afraid to seek professional advice if a conflict escalates or leads to an acute crisis. In North Rhine-Westphalia, you will find many places to go:
- State and church educational and family counseling centers can help with various counseling and support services. You can find a counseling center near you via the DAJEB's Counseling Center Finder.
- The bke-Elternberatung offers professional advice and an exchange with other parents in various ways.
- In acute situations, you can contact the Nummer gegen Kummer at any time.
Child and youth helpline: 116 111
Parent helpline: 0800 1110550 - The telephone counseling service is available around the clock on 0800 111 0 111 or 116 123.
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