THE CHALLENGE OF CHANGE

Chapter 13

FACING CHANGE

Chapter 13.1

Facing Change

There is a process people go through as they adapt to change. Life changes can include moving, financial problems, unemployment, and natural disasters.

The Change ProcessChange is a part of life: Some changes are expected Some changes catch you off

guard Change happens at every level of

society Changes occur with family life

cycle

The Change ProcessChange and how people react to itFive-step process:1. Denial (nothing has changed)2. Resistance (anger & frustration)3. Acceptance (regroup & re-think)4. Transition (begin to focus on future)5. Commitment (commit to the new

future)

The Change ProcessReactions to ChangePeople react differently.Some people like change.Some people don’t like changes.Resilient people handle change well.They plan or make a strategy for

changeSee change as a challenge!

Life ChangesMoving Sadness about leaving Anxious about new place Discuss plans openly with family Visit first Allow children to help with move Adjustment requires making an effort Can be an exciting family challenge Can draw the family closer New location has new opportunities

Life ChangesFinancial Problems Wide range Job loss Medical issues Stage of family life Dealing with financial problems:

Prepare for financial problems – save!EconomizeSacrifice or give up something

Get help from outside sources

Life ChangesGet Help with Large Financial Problems Many families have debt or are “in debt” – a debt

is something that is owed. A creditor is someone to whom a debt is owed Most creditors will work to help to find ways to

pay the debt Bankruptcy is for extreme cases of debt

It is a legal process that declares a person unable to pay debts.

Use as a last resort Shelters and community resources Government resources

Life ChangesUnemployment Unemployment means not having a

job. Loss of income + more Unemployment can damage a person’s

identity Health problems due to stress Depression Affects the family

Young children are hardest hit

Life ChangesCoping with Unemployment Unemployment is a family problem

Family can be own best resourceUnemployment insurance lasts ~ 1 yearSavings is importantBe persistent in looking for workOlder children can help with family workTeens can contribute income to family

Life ChangesDisasters Natural or man-made Wise to have a family disaster

plan Death of family member Plan for life after a disaster

Insurance coverage enough?

STRESS MANAGEMENT

Chapter 13.2

Stress Management

Stress is physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension. People can recognize, limit, and manage their stress.

Understand StressStress is physical, mental, or

emotional strain or tensionTea kettle analogyMany everyday situations cause

stressTroublesome events cause stress

Understand StressSymptoms of Stress Everyone feels stress, but not

the same way It can affect every part of

person’s life

Manage StressStress-free is not as good as it

soundsStress can be helpful!

Manage StressStress Management is learning

strategies to cope with the demands of life.

Learn to recognize your stress signals!1. Exercise regularly2. Eat for your health (regular meals)3. Get plenty of sleep4. Prioritize your activities5. Talk it out (trusted adult)

Manage StressLimit Stress in Your Life Recognize what makes you

stressed and work to eliminate that cause

Maintain Good HealthHealthy eating habits; 8 hours sleep;

exercise regularly; avoid harmful substances; get regular medical checkups

Manage StressDeal with Stress in Your Life Maintain Good Health Manage your life well

Gaining a sense of control helpsSet goals and work toward themPlan for the unexpectedManage your time productively

Manage StressDeal with Stress Learn to Relax!

Make time to relax (hobbies)Listen (soothing music)Get active (exercise to release tension)Reflect (think about good things)Meditate (use your imagination)Discuss (talk to someone you trust)

Manage StressDeal with Stress in Your Life Use your support system

Parent or older siblingOther trusted adult (identify!)Strong relationships help you to cope with stress

Manage StressDeal with Stress in Your Life Release Emotions

A good cry can sometimes helpIf feel need to lash out, exercise vigorously

Take appropriate actionWhen you take charge of a situation, you

feel better. Taking charge reduces epinephrine (a

stress hormone)

Manage StressDeal with Stress in Your Life Use Positive Self-Talk

Positive, but realistic, self-talk increases confidence

Be optimistic, hopeful in your approach to life.

Chapter SummarySection 13.1 – Facing Change Change is a constant in life for families,

businesses, and society as a whole. It is part of every stage of the family life

cycle. Change is a five-step process. People react differently to change. Those who deal with it best are resilient. They see change as a challenge.

Chapter SummarySection 13.1 – Facing Change, continued There are many life changes. Moving can be a major change for a family. Financial problems and unemployment create

many changes for families. Natural disasters, war, and terrorist acts also

cause change for those whose lives are affected.

Chapter SummarySection 13.2 Stress Management Stress is physical, mental or emotional strain

or tension. It can cause physical, mental, or emotional

symptoms. Stress management helps people cope with

the demands of life. The first step is to recognize the symptoms of

stress. Then people can take action to reduce the

cause of the stress.

Chapter SummarySection 13.2 Stress Management In general, people who are in good health and

who manage their lives well help limit the stress they feel.

To deal with stress, people use their support systems.

They release emotions and take action. They use positive self-talk