Tough Economic Times & Your Kids
October 2, 2009 by Jennifer Chait
Filed under children's activity
During the last year it’s been tough money wise for most families. Tough economic times are hard on parents, but it’s important to keep in mind that your kids are also affected by the economy, and not just in a we can’t have this toy kind of way. Kids have actual money concerns and it doesn’t help when they see you freaking out or worrying endlessly about it.
What you can do to keep your kiddos calm when money is tight:
Don’t hide the issues: Kids are smart enough to handle money issues. They can be taught about the family budget. It’s important to offer straight facts – “We can’t afford that right now, but if we save up, maybe we can” or “I know it sucks that we can’t go on vacation this year, but we can plan some fun right here.” Kids are great at imagining the worst and if you don’t fill them in a bit, that’s exactly what they’ll do.
Do look for the bright side: Yeah, some costs may need to go but there’s always a way to be more positive. I.e. the bright side of canceling cable is that you have more time to spend outside as a family. The bright side of less grocery money is super creative cooking ideas. It’s absolutely easier to have more than enough money vs. not enough, but for your kids sake look for the silver lining.
Don’t make them responsible: I’ve heard parents tell their kids things like, “Kids are so expensive… you should go easy on me since I’m depressed over losing my job…” and worse. You ARE NOT being a very good parent or nice person if you make your child responsible for your feelings during an economic crisis or in anyway make your child feel like he’s the reason you’re in a tight money situation. Kids are part of the situation, but it’s not their fault and frankly being a kid is hard enough without parent guilt trips.
Do look for creative alternatives and support: Kids need to see that in a time of crisis you can be resourceful and find a way to make it all work. Can you pool some resources with another family (after-school child care for example) or walk more and drive less to save gas? Can you hold a garage sale, play games and do activities that are low cost vs. expensive? There are lots of options for fun that involve no money at all and when you help your kids to find these options it makes them more independently resource. It’s also better to surround your family with friends, a church, family, and so on when times are hard because it makes everyone feel better.
How are you helping your kids during these tough economic times?
[image via stock.xchng]
