GoodLifeFamilyMag.com JULY | AUGUST 2019 45 TRANSITIONS Navigating Life's Experiencing (or enduring) big life events means we’re living life rather than just observing it. Big life events, good or bad, also bring stress. Our bodies tend to react the same way to a big positive change, like marriage or a baby, as they do to a big negative change, like a divorce or a job loss. Our level of emotionalintelligenceandcopingskillsmayhelporhinderourabilitytorecognizesymptomsofstress. Naturally,theyoungeryouare,theharderitmightbetoadjustsmoothlytolife’stransitions.Regardless of our age, we’ll do what we think helps us cope, but it’s not always the healthiest choice. Whether your kiddo is starting kindergarten or your teen is venturing off to college, each school year brings new challenges and requires adjustments. Here you’ll find common signs of stress and some tips for helping your kids cope. By Deborah Dobbs, Beka Mullins and Carrie Leafblad | Contributors CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE