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Family Finances, Children’s Stress and the Economy

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On March 12, 2009
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Economic news is in the forefront of every news broadcast or business section headline. With record unemployment, a slow growth economy, dysfunction politicians in Washington DC, and the European markets teetering on the edge of chaos the financial mood is dismal.

Family finances and adult financial challenges become family problems affecting the mood and flow of the family.  Children sense that there is something wrong even if they don’t fully understand the issue. Kids also have a hard time expressing themselves and might exhibit changes in behavior and attitude. Parents should be aware and proactive in trying to address these issues. Below is a real question and several answers/ideas on how to help kids through this tough time.

Q. Since the recession our neighborhood is experiencing an increase of car break-ins and vandalism. My child seems to be more anxious than usual and now wants to sleep in our bed every night. What can I do to keep her out of my bed?
 
Answers:
1. You can set up a sleep area on the floor of your bedroom and let her know that she can come into your room, but not in your bed. If your goal is to get her back into her own room do not make the area too comfortable.
2. Sometimes just changing things up can bring on a big change in attitude. You and your child can rearrange your child’s bedroom. Children are usually very excited to do this and it can bring a renewed sense of comfort to your child’s bedtime. Be sure to move the bed to a new spot that your child likes. Consider an outing to the store to buy a new set of sheets that bring new enthusiasm to bedtime. Try painting a smiley face or dolphin on the wall by her bed. Be creative.
 
3. Be sure to have age appropriate  conversation with your children. Let them tell you what they are worried about. Honor their concerns but let them know that they are safe. Extra hugs and reassurance can go a long way during these unsure times.
 
4. Young children enjoy playing the role of parent with their stuffed animals or dolls. You can pretend that one of her stuffed animals wants to sleep outside or in your daughter’s bed. Let your daughter use any of the ideas above to reassure her doll or animal. She can create an area next to her bed for it to sleep in. Encourage her to tell her doll that she is safe. Kids love this exercise and feel empowered. It also reinforces what you have said to your child.
 

Stress Free Kids founder Lori Lite is a freelance blogger, social media strategist, parenting expert, and successful entrepreneur. Her line of books and CDs are designed to help children, teens, and adults decrease stress, anxiety, and anger. Ms. Lite’s books, CDs, and lesson plans are considered a resource for parents, psychologists, therapists, child life specialists, teachers, doctors, and yoga instructors. Lori’s award winning books received national attention on Shark Tank and her sort after accessible tips have been featured in hundreds of publications to include: CNN Living, Real Simple Magazine, USA Today, Family Circle, Working Mother Magazine, and Web MD. For more information visit  Stress Free Kids and for daily advice follow Lori on Twitter and Facebook.

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