Take The Family Stress Test

Take this quick quiz to help you evaluate your the stress level of your family.

• Score 0 if the statement is never true for your family,
• 1 if it's rarely true,
• 2 if it's sometimes true, and
• 3 if it's always true.

gold set __ We often talk about our feelings. __ I know what's important to my kids. __ (For single parents) I am comfortable with being single. __ We are not under severe financial pressure. __ Family is the first priority, before work. __ (For couples) We have a strong relationship. __ (For couples) We both feel good about our roles as parents. __ (For single parents) The kids don't rebel at my choice of dates. __ Tension in our house is rare. __ The kids are doing well in school. __ Everyone in the family has a job, and does it without being nagged. __ We share family meals every day. __ Vacations together turn out well. Total gold score: __

yellow Set __ It seems like we are always arguing. __ (For couples) Sometimes marriage is disappointing. __ The kids get upset that we argue. __ We have struggles about how to spend money. __ We don't listen enough. __ (For single parents) My kids get upset when I have a date. __ It seems as if someone's always mad at someone else. __ I bring home a lot of stress from work. __ (For single parents) Being single has been very difficult. __ We are always too busy. __ (For couples) We argue about who should do what with the kids. __ It is impossible to get the kids to do anything around here. __ I've been called in to school to discuss my child's behavior. Total yellow Score: ______

To score: Total up your scores for gold questions and yellow questions separately. Your goal is to have a high gold score and a low yellow score. These are good signs of your family's stress skills.

Meaning of the scores

gold score	yellow score	Meaning
33-above (gold)	17-less (yellow)	Wow! Your family has good skills and attitudes which help you handle life's stresses. This makes your home life rich and satisfying.
25-32 (gold)	18-24 (yellow)	You have a strong start. Try practicing your good stress management skills and positive attitudes more, to create even more harmony in the home.
18-24 (gold)	25-32 (yellow)	You may be under many stresses. Looking carefully at these questions will help you improve your score. Remember: Friends, family, or professional help, are all great tools for tough times.
17-less (gold)	33-above (yellow)	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.