If you’re stressed, it’s likely that your kids are stressed, too. Children learn to handle stress in the same manner as their family. If you are chronically anxious and overwhelmed, your children may be learning to move through life in the same way.

Here are some ideas to reduce stress within your family and in your home:

Monitor your own stress level. Examine how you respond to daily events. Watch your "stress language." For example, "I can't seem to keep up, no matter how hard I try," provides your child with a negative method for handling stress.

Notice out loud. Let your child know when you notice that something's bothering them. Try to name the feeling that you think that your child is experiencing (“You seem angry…”) without accusing or putting the child on the spot. Show that you want to understand.

Listen to your child. Listen attentively and calmly. Take your time. Let your child take their time, too. Acknowledge your child’s feelings.

Use encouraging words. Tell your child you believe in their abilities. Mention and celebrate past successes.

Look for creative ways to deal with stress. Puppets may help younger children act out their feelings. Teens may want to write in a journal or diary.

Limit stress where possible. If certain situations continually cause stress, look for ways to change things.

Be patient. As a parent, it’s hard to see your child unhappy or stressed, but resist the urge to fix every problem. Instead, help your child gradually become a good problem-solver.

Of course we can't eliminate stress from life, nor can we solve every problem our kids face, but teaching them healthy coping strategies can prepare them to manage future stresses.