6. Don't Forget to Play

We're talking about real play: the kind that's spontaneous, unscripted, and has no purpose other than pure enjoyment. "When you play spontaneously, you begin to discover that there's a whole other dimension to life that has nothing to do with tasks or being right and wrong," says Adam Blatner, M.D., a psychiatrist and author of "The Art of Play" -- and that can be a potent stress reliever. For the Doremus family of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, play can be as simple as blowing bubbles. "The deep breathing in and out to blow the bubbles calms your body down physically," says Penny Doremus. The Moreheads of Paducah, Kentucky, take a pail of sidewalk chalk to their carport, then draw and doodle until the concrete is covered with art. By the time they're done, the family of four is ready to face the world with a renewed sense of calm."

7. Talk to Each Other

"Communication, the kind in which every person's opinion counts, not only relieves stress but can also prevent it," says Beverly Smallwood, Ph.D., family psychologist and author of "This Wasn't Supposed to Happen to Me: 10 Make or Break Choices When Life Steals Your Dreams and Rocks Your World." It's the principle behind the family meetings at the Laschkewitsch household in La Selva Beach, California. Several times a month the family gathers for 15 minutes to go over their schedules and discuss upcoming events that might be particularly stressful. "We work as a team," says mom Shelly, "so we help each other reduce stress."