Easing Family Tension

June 5, 2020

As people continue to stay at home until more restrictions are lifted, we find ourselves with a new and different kind of challenge. Tensions occur, especially within families, when people are put together in a confined space for an extended period of time. Family tension is often triggered by the mixture of emotions that this pandemic has brought upon people. For example, a person who is experiencing anxiety can unknowingly and unintentionally lash out at his or her spouse. In the same way, a child who is feeling restless can overwhelm his or her parents, who already have heightened stress and irritability because of their financial worries.       

Do you feel that there is a form of tension brewing up in your home? Do not worry because you are not alone in this experience. Many people are going through the same challenges and you are blessed because you are led here by God to recognize it before it could get any worse! Here are three ways on how you can ease family tension inside your home.

 

• Share your thoughts and feelings with each other regularly

When we are feeling a certain way, it is best to communicate it with others. When someone in your home has done something that doesn’t sit well with you, open up to the person involved and talk it out. Do not allow anger or resentment to quietly build up inside you. 

 

• Make chores a fun activity

Chores are a common source of arguments inside households. By making chores a fun activity, whether it’s washing the dishes or doing the laundry, you enjoy the time you have together while being productive. 

 

• Explore activities everyone can enjoy

Bonding over cooking together, making crafts, or watching movies with the whole family can ease family tension and strengthen relationships between family members. Even if your children have been picking on each other earlier in the day, they are bound to forgive and forget once it’s time for your movie night.

 

“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”

–Colossians 3:13