Overcoming the Challenges of Family Life

If I were to ask the average person how they relieve stress, I’m sure I would get many different answers. Because we are all unique, we handle stress in our own way—hopefully though in a healthy way. Something I might not hear is playing with anxiety relief toys. But, why not? They are a great stress reliever and can be fun for the whole family.

You had a frustrating day at work. You fought the crazy traffic to pick up your kids from daycare, school, or soccer practice. Two of them fight with each other in the back seat while the other child tells you they need supplies tonight for a project they forgot is due tomorrow. Is it any wonder you shuffle into the house, mumbling to yourself, “Why do I feel so overwhelmed?” 

Do you ever feel like you are losing the battle juggling work, relationships, family responsibilities, and finding time for outside interests? Well, rest assured you are not alone. You join many other parents trying to figure out how to deal with those feelings of being overwhelmed or out of control. And it can be quite a challenge.

Looking at the menu, I was trying to choose between a hamburger or a dinner salad. However, I couldn’t help but overhear a fellow diner lamenting the fact (and quite loudly by the way), that her parents were driving her nuts. If what she was stating was in fact true, it was a clear example of parents overstepping boundaries. Her complaint went like this; “I can’t stand it when my parents want to control everything I do. My mom tells me how to dress. My dad tells me what I should and shouldn’t spend my money on. You name it– they tell me how, when, and why I should do it. I know they’re only visiting for two weeks, but I don’t think I can make it! When are they going to realize I’m in my forties?”