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Finance -
Personal Finance
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One of the hardest things about the recession is explaining this tough time to our children. Some parents feel that if they say nothing – then their children will not need to know anything. But children are actually much smarter than we give them credit for. They know something is going on. When you don’t say something this causes added stress on your children and then they worry even more. Saying something to your children helps to make them feel more calm and that the grown ups are in deed in charge.
Keep your explanations age appropriate. What you say to a 4-year old is probably not what you would say to a 14-year old on any subject. So this is exactly the same where it comes to the recession. A 14-year old can likely process more information and may even be watching the news with their parents. They may be more aware of bills coming in the mail. That being said, children don’t need to know information they can’t control – because this causes excess stress.
Give children a set plan as you are going to do things. If Mommy or Daddy have lost their job, then they may have some questions. They may wonder what is going to happen. The explanation should be something like “Mommy is going to look for another job and this may take a little longer because the economy is tougher right now. We may be going out less and buying less things right now for the moment. But soon Mommy will have a job and things will be back to the way they were.” Keep it simple and straightforward.
Don’t make promises you can’t keep. You can’t promise a child that you’ll get a job when you have a job interview coming up next Tuesday. That’s not fair to them or to you. While you may desperately want the job, this just puts you under undue pressure and is going to place you in a very tough position.
When sacrifices must be made, look for creative alternatives. A child’s birthday party is important – but this may be a place where cut backs need to be made due to expenses. A family that used to have parties at restaurants or entertainment places may look to have parties at home. Or less children are invited. It doesn’t mean you don’t have a party. Look for creative options that still mean you can do things.
Spend regular time together as a family. One of the most challenging things during a recession is that adults feel like they are under so much pressure. But one of the best ways to calm your children is simply to spend time with them. Read them a story or color coloring books with them. Take them to the library to check out books or take advantage of a free program. Or try a family board game night. Spending regular time together will soothe everyone’s nerves and is a great way to calm your children.
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