Helping Children and Teens Through Hard Economic Times.
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Research studies even suggest that some children show the effects similarly seen in other forms of trauma. If unnoticed or ignored, these effects may obstruct their successful development into resilient adults and parents. From this same research, there are some useful things that can help parents and their kids get through the tough times.
Keep the family a number one priority . Emphasize the importance to remain close and work together to solve problems.
- Provide information the child can understand (see more on this below).
- Reassess the amount of dire financial news the family actually needs to hear through TV, radio, the newspaper or the internet. Try taking control of this.
- Seek professional assistance if the negative behaviors don't subside [Click here for program information]
Conversations about financial stress with kids will vary in approach based upon the age and developmental level of your child. Here is a simple guide:
- Elementary School Age: Use a hopeful attitude in what you say. Acknowledge your worry, but offer up the reassurance that you are handling it. “Mom is a little worried right now about work, but I am taking care of it…and we are going to be okay.” Kids at this age are more black and white in the way they think, so keep what may be a small fear from expanding to huge proportions.
- Middle School Age: Kids at this age may be able to take in more specifics, but couch it in positive, realistic terms: “we may have to move from this house, but we'll find a good place for the family.” Tap into their willingness to pitch in to help out, especially if the times call for spending less. They may surprise you in what they suggest.
- High School Age: Since teens have the ability to see longer term (although sometimes they don't act like it), the reassurance they need is on the future. Teens can generally handle more information and they can be prompted to come up with solutions. “My company has really slowed down, but we've been through hard times before. Can you think of ideas on how we can tighten our belt?”
And remember, this is a cycle that will turn for the better at some point. Spread the optimistic outlook around!