10 Tips for Parents to Ease Worry over the Economy by Margaret Murchan

1. It is important to let children know that you are the parents and will take care of the adult issues. Even if it means changes in the family – a move, a second job – children can feel safe when they are confident that the adult is in charge and that you will take care of them.
2. Children can feel they have some control over the situation when they can do something to help. They can learn to make home-made gifts for birthdays. In fact, sometimes those end up being the most precious for parents.
3. Try not to overdo it. Too much comfort or indulging of children can have the opposite effect. For example, when a child is afraid to sleep in their own bed, an alternative is to go back to their bed with them until they settle into sleep. To have them sleep in your bed gives them the message, “yes, you have something to be afraid of in your bed.”
4. Be realistic. Do the best you can. Don’t give up on the job search. Your child will see this and will feel that you are actively working to find a job and you will be modeling competence and determination.
5. Parents – take care of yourself as well as your children. If you are fearful and beginning to see signs of panic, get help for yourself and your children will be the beneficiaries.
6. Children do pick up on unspoken behavior and tension in the house. Be careful what you say to other adults or spouses. “Little pitchers have big ears” is a saying that is as true as ever in this economically stressful environment.
7. No matter the age of your child, they can know how money works. Even younger children can learn to save money and can understand that when there is not much money to spend, it is a great idea to re-use and re-cycle.
8. Adolescents can benefit from the direct approach. Parents can show them the family budget and, in a positive way, educate them about the changes. Teens can help out if they are able to with small jobs in the neighborhood or helping out at home with younger brothers and sisters.
9. Older children can understand what a downturn in the economy is. They do not need to feel that parents are in a panic, but they can learn that like life itself, there are ups and downs.
10. Take a deep breath. You will get through this tough economic time. It may take dipping into your reserves of energy, inventiveness, and stick-to-it-iveness, but it can be done!