FAMILY STRESS TEST The Family Stress Test, a tool provided by The Link community resource center in Negaunee, offers questions to gauge your family's stress level. Consider some of the following questions to determine if good communication skills, professional assistance or positive attitudes are needed to increase your family's health and happiness. Answer 0 if the statement is never true for your family, 1 if it is rarely true, 2 if it is sometimes true and 3 if it is always true. 1)___We often talk about our feelings. 2)___It seems we argue a lot. 3)___I know what is important to my kids. 4)___(For couples) Sometimes marriage is disappointing. 5)___(For single parents) I'm comfortable being single. 6)___The kids get upset that we argue. 7)___We have enough money for the important things. 8)___We have conflicts about how much to spend and on what. 9)___Work is important, but family is our top priority. 10)___We don't listen enough. 11)___(For couples) Our relationship is strong. 12)___(For single parents) My kids are upset when I date. 13)___(For couples) We both feel good about our roles as parents. 14)___It seems as if someone is always mad at someone else. 15)___(For single parents) The kids like my choice of dates. 16)___Too much work is getting to me. 17)___Tension in our house is rare. 18)___(For single parents) Being single has been very hard for me. 19)___The kids are doing well in school. 20)___There is never enough time. 21)___Everyone in the family has a job and does it without being nagged. 22)___(For couples) We argue about who should do what with the kids. 23)___We eat together daily. 24)___It is impossible to get the kids to do anything around here. 25)___Vacations together turn out well. 26)___I've been called in to school to discuss my child's behavior. Total both your odd and even scores separately. What Your Score Means Odd scores of 33 and above or even scores of 17 or less: Congratulations. Your family has good skills and attitudes, which help you handle life's stresses. This makes your home life rich and satisfying. For odd scores of 25-32 or even scores of 18-24: You have a strong start. Try practicing your good skills and positive attitudes more to create even more harmony at home. For odd scores of 18-24 or even scores of 26-32: You are probably under many stresses. Look carefully at these questions and think about ways to improve your score. Remember: It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help. For odd scores of 17 or less and even scores of 33 and above: "Taking action now is very important for your family's health and happiness. Reach out to friends, family or professional help for a great boost when times are tough." Reprinted with permission from The Link
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