Did you know that stress can be a family affair?

We usually think of it as a condition that affects individuals, but look around and you’ll find plenty of stressed-out families.

You know the type. These families are constantly on the go—and frequently on the brink of an argument or meltdown. What you don’t see very often are smiles.

Perhaps your own family is overcome with tension. If so, don’t fret. There are plenty of ways you can reduce stress levels in your house. Below I have assembled six tips to do just that.

1) SIMPLIFY YOUR SCHEDULE
Don’t overextend yourself and your children. In addition to working long hours parents often take on extra responsibilities outside the family. On top of it they register their kids for all sorts of enrichment activities. Nothing stresses out a family more than everyone trying to keep up with a hectic schedule. From now on don’t add anything to your calendar without first considering the impact it will have on the family.

2) MAKE SURE EVERYONE CHIPS IN
Teach your children to help out with the housework. Since most families today have two working parents, everyone must chip in. If you have preschool-aged children, start training them now. Kids this age can’t wait to help out; it makes them feel so grown-up. If you have older children explain how important it is that they do their part. If they remain unconvinced, make it clear that they’re not welcome at the dinner table until their work is done. Perhaps that sounds harsh, but plenty of elite private schools stick to the very same rule. If you want to inspire family pride and cooperation, hang a banner in your home that reads, “In Our Family We All Help Out.” That gets the message across.

3) REMEMBER WHO’S IN CHARGE
Make sure you’re an effective disciplinarian. Teach your children to follow the rules and respect the routines within the family. There’s no way you can reduce tension and stress if you allow your children to be in charge. If you need motivation in this area, rent the instructional video “1-2-3 Magic,” which shows parents how to get kids to listen and behave. Also consider reading my book “Wimpy Parents: From Toddler to Teen,” which teaches parents how to be in charge of their children.

4) MAKE TIME FOR PLAY
That means actually scheduling family fun each month. When families play together and have fun with each other, they effectively combat tension and stress. So twice a month, sit down with your family and write your plans on a big calendar, making sure everyone agrees on them.

5) ARGUING? TAKE IT TO ANOTHER ROOM
Don’t fight in front of the children. When you do you not only scare them, you set a bad example of how family members treat each other. Since it’s normal for couples to argue from time to time, make a pact with your spouse to keep the conflicts private. If you find you can’t settle your differences, do your children a favor and seek marriage counseling. Remember, as the marriage goes so goes the family. You can’t expect your children to behave, respect you and others, and cooperate if the family leaders are bickering all the time.

6) TAKE CARE OF YOUR NEEDS, TOO
Parents are givers. They need to be, but they have to make sure that, in the process, they don’t burn themselves out. Burned-out parents become grumpy, irritable and impatient. So when you take care of your needs as an adult—which includes getting adequate sleep, spending quality time with your spouse and focusing on your own interests—you’re also putting your family first.

Over the next few months, try applying the suggestions I have made. If you do you’ll find that the tension is evaporating from your family. Everyone will become happier—and you’ll find new meaning in the expression “home, sweet home.”