Crises happen in every life and every family, and how we respond to them helps to shape the rest of our lives and the nature of our relationships. Major life changes such as divorce, loss, or financial stress can create overwhelming emotional and practical challenges. Effective coping strategies like these can help families navigate these crises with resilience and support.
Acknowledge emotions. We need to create environments where family members feel safe expressing their feelings. Our kids need to know that it’s normal to experience a range of emotions, from sadness to anger. When we listen to family members, we should do so without judgment and validate each person’s emotions. If we feel heard and supported, it’s easier to get through difficult times.
Create stability. Family crises can be times of chaos and confusion. That’s why it’s so important to generate feelings of normalcy and stability by maintaining daily routines. Even simple things like regular mealtimes or continuing familiar family activities can help.
Build coping. Even during the stressful times, parents can help their kids develop emotional resilience by modeling effective coping skills. You can also introduce kids to stress reduction techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or meditation. Physical activities, hobbies, and creative pursuits can provide a healthy escape and boost mental well-being.
Communicate openly. Don’t pretend the crisis isn’t happening. Discuss it openly and honestly (and in age-appropriate ways), keeping all family members involved in conversations about changes and plans. Limit discussions to specific times to avoid constant stress.
Remember self-care. Make sure every family member (including you) takes time for self-care. Even in crisis situations, we need to get enough rest, eat healthy foods, and engage in activities that promote relaxation and joy.
Problem-solving. Work together as a family to identify and prioritize the main challenges. By encouraging collaboration, you’ll create a sense of shared responsibility that will also help with other issues.
Set expectations. Crisis situations often force us to create more realistic expectations and become more flexible with how we do things. Keep everyone’s morale and motivation strong by celebrating small victories and progress, no matter how minor they may seem.
Draw on support. trusted friends and extended family can offer perspective, advice, and assistance that provides emotional support and practical help. Individual or family therapy can help everyone process emotions and develop coping strategies. For example, our professional counselors at Care to Change have helped families turn devastating crises into opportunities to help each other grow and thrive. Why not set an appointment with one of our counselors today?
