Studies have shown that stress is the most commonly reported trigger of a headache attack and a major contributor to sleep difficulties. The effects of stress are well documented. Key sources of family stress include conflicts with spouses, parenting responsibilities, financial worries and over-scheduled calendars. Family stress tends to intensify at points of change. How people adapt to change, Dr. Kenny notes, makes a difference in their stress levels and that of their families.
Communicating well is critically important to creating family cohesiveness.
Listening is one of the most effective communication skills you can learn, but listening with empathy does it one better. As you listen, try to understand the feelings behind the other person's words. When you respond, you can do so in a way that recognizes those feelings, which makes the other person feel heard and therefore keeps the discussion on track. Make sure you understand. Occasionally restate what you hear the other person saying.