 |
Talking to Kids About the Economy |
How to Talk About
The U.S. economy is in crisis – that’s not news to anyone – even the kids! Many may think the economy only affects adults. Parents know better – they are concerned for their kids and want to help them understand what’s happening during these trying economic times with which most people are struggling. Parents are asking -- how can we talk to our kids about the economy?
Talking to your kids is the first step. Whenever change occurs and the effects are felt by adults and children, having a discussion, or communicating, about the situation is the way to start moving in a positive direction. Communication is a process that includes talking and listening – each part must occur for the process to be successful.
Psychologists suggest that the people who deal successfully with a crisis are the ones who can communicate their anxieties, fears, and sorrows as well as seek help from other people. Children who learn to communicate these feelings at an early age will likely be more able to cope with stress as an adult. Communicating one’s angry feelings about a situation with another person may prevent those feelings from creating more severe emotional problems.
Depending on their age and if you feel it necessary, initiate a conversation about what your children may be hearing and learning about economic conditions – job loss/layoff, business closure, loss of personal savings, home foreclosure, etc. No doubt they are getting information through family/friends, media, or what may be happening in their home. Listening to children is as important as talking to them – sometimes listening and responding with concern, understanding, and reassurance may be all the help children need given the time. Parents can be successful at helping their children deal with economic stress when they have gained control of their own stress -- help your children best by helping yourself first!
If immediate family members have encountered any of the conditions listed above, a discussion is probably necessary to answer questions like: What changes will occur in the family – spending money in different ways or moving to another home, etc? What are family members doing to deal with the change – looking for another job or saving more money/spending less money, etc?
Parents in control do not keep secrets. In a difficult situation, successful parents will be able to provide information to their children’s level of understanding. There is no doubt that these are tough economic times, but finding a way to communicate, in the most positive way possible, with every family member about the situation will move everyone in a positive direction.
Parents in control recognize stress symptoms that may be affecting their children – anger, sleeplessness, withdrawal, headaches, etc. These affects call for communication – if you cannot communicate with your child to deal with it, utilize others -- teachers, counselors, clergy, etc.
Parents in control do their best to keep other major changes to a minimum. Too many changes, especially if the family is currently dealing with loss of a job or other economic condition, can be overwhelming for adults and children. Help everyone find a positive focus by talking about it. Everyone has strengths, talents, and contributions to make within a family unit. Now is the time to recognize those – no matter how small it may seem!
Parents in control recognize the benefits of, and maintain balanced eating, exercise, and rest for every family member in order to guard against health problems. Discuss the plan and follow it!
Parents in control during an economic crisis keep the talk going within the family – one conversation will not be enough – make it an ongoing activity! Spend family time together. Check in to see how everyone is doing. Find ways to make the most of what you still have – you’re not alone! Families across the nation are facing similar challenges and working to find solutions. Together, you and all of us will turn this economy to a positive!
Shirley Anderson-Porisch works as a family resource management Extension educator at the University of Minnesota and is an expert in family finance. She has long been a media contributor and is an accredited financial counselor. Find more stories at: http://www1.umn.edu/news/features/index.htm