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Talking to your children about the economic crisis
How can you help your kids deal with tough situations and make them feel safe in times of economic crisis?
Children are exposed to world events, including the downturn in economy, through TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, and even adult conversations that they overhear. The information can be scary to kids and they often need help managing what they’ve seen or heard. When you start talking with your children, you help them handle their feelings and assist them to understand the situation.
More than anything, children need to be assured that they will be cared for. They will seek comfort in knowing that their parents are there to help them understand what is happening. Children are very sensitive about what is going on around them. They may be aware that things have changed, but not sure why. Children develop all kinds of misconceptions when they have not been informed about what is happening around them. They may think they are being punished if new budgets are in place that affects meals, outings, treats etc. They may even be worried about quite serious things such as loosing the house or having to change schools.
How do you reassure your child? Here are some ideas on how to help kids cope:
Young children find it very difficult to understand the concept of money – to them you seem to have an infinite source. Explain to children in the simplest terms why your family has less money to spend at the moment. How much detail you go into will depend on the age of the child. Discuss with your child, what you as a family are doing to save money. Ask children how they feel about what is happening, and what their concerns are. Encourage them to say what is on their minds. Answer their questions and help them understand what’s going on.
Include your child in brainstorming sessions about how to save money. Some ideas may include always taking snacks and drinks to avoid buying them, joining the library to access books and games, making homemade gifts etc. You may be surprised at what your child will come up with if they are given the opportunity.
Try to reduce your children’s media access to news programs. Although young children do not know what is being said, they do understand that something is wrong.
Source: www.samsha.gov
More than anything, children need to be assured that they will be cared for. They will seek comfort in knowing that their parents are there to help them understand what is happening. Children are very sensitive about what is going on around them. They may be aware that things have changed, but not sure why. Children develop all kinds of misconceptions when they have not been informed about what is happening around them. They may think they are being punished if new budgets are in place that affects meals, outings, treats etc. They may even be worried about quite serious things such as loosing the house or having to change schools.
How do you reassure your child? Here are some ideas on how to help kids cope:
Talk about the events
Young children find it very difficult to understand the concept of money – to them you seem to have an infinite source. Explain to children in the simplest terms why your family has less money to spend at the moment. How much detail you go into will depend on the age of the child. Discuss with your child, what you as a family are doing to save money. Ask children how they feel about what is happening, and what their concerns are. Encourage them to say what is on their minds. Answer their questions and help them understand what’s going on.
Brainstorm
Include your child in brainstorming sessions about how to save money. Some ideas may include always taking snacks and drinks to avoid buying them, joining the library to access books and games, making homemade gifts etc. You may be surprised at what your child will come up with if they are given the opportunity.
Monitor the media
Try to reduce your children’s media access to news programs. Although young children do not know what is being said, they do understand that something is wrong.
Source: www.samsha.gov
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Comments
Anonymous
Found this very helpful. We are going through this at the moment.
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