Kalms and in control


Family stress

Your family can be a source of strength, support and love. They can also be an enormous source of stress; whether it's demanding children or demanding parents. Perhaps the biggest driver of stress in these situations is guilt – you feel guilty that you're not a better wife or mother or daughter. You always feel that you should be doing more.

Get rid of the guilt! Make a mental note of all the things you actually do, and take pride in them. Recognise that your mother/the children will always want more of your time and learn to say no. By saying no you are not rejecting them, you are making sure that the quality of time you do give is not ruined by feelings of stress and resentment. A demanding parent may feel slighted at first if they're not invited on every single outing, but when they realise that the time you do spend together is improved, it will work out to be a good thing in the long term.