<\/p>\n
Raising children can be very difficult when you have concerns about not having enough money to take care of your family. You may become anxious, depressed or develop other emotional problems. Often this makes it even more difficult for parents and other caregivers to take care of their own health and their children\u2019s health.<\/p>\n
The Children\u2019s Regional Hospital at Cooper is sharing these tips with you to help you cope with life during tough economic times.<\/p>\n
Take care of yourself.<\/strong> Remember that children depend on the adults around them to feel secure, so it\u2019s important that you take care of yourself. If you are worried or upset, your children will be too. Even very young children can tell when something is wrong.<\/p>\n Limit TV and other media time.<\/strong> When children overhear news coverage or adults talking about America\u2019s money problems, like job cuts and people losing their homes, they may become worried, especially because they don\u2019t really understand what is happening. Try to limit your own exposure to the media (especially when you are with children).<\/p>\n Choose your words carefully.<\/strong> Comments like \u201cWe just lost your college savings\u201d or \u201cWe can\u2019t afford that!\u201d can be very upsetting to children. In times of uncertainty, try to focus on what you do know and offer reassuring words. For example, \u201cWe have enough money to pay for food and our house, but we may need to spend less on eating out,\u201d or \u201cWe saved money for times like these.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to talk with your children because they can sense stress and become anxious or upset if no one communicates with them. All they need is a very basic explanation of why people are upset or worried and what impact it will have on them personally.<\/p>\n Be sensitive to each child\u2019s needs.<\/strong> It\u2019s important to talk at each child\u2019s level. What and how much information you share depends on the age and developmental level of your children. In general, older children will want and benefit from more detailed information; younger children and those children with developmental delays or intellectual disabilities will benefit from simpler and briefer information. But for all children, start with asking them what they may already have heard or offer a simple explanation at first. Then ask your children if they have any more questions.<\/p>\n Children who already have problems with anxiety or other emotional problems may be particularly upset or worried about the economic situation and benefit from more direct advice and additional reassurance. Talk with your pediatrician or mental health provider about how to provide additional support. Children dealing with other challenges, such as the serious health problem of a family member, the recent death of a friend or family member, or a recent move or divorce, may find it even more difficult to deal with the current financial crisis.<\/p>\n Let your pediatrician know if you think your children are showing signs of stress.<\/strong> It is natural for children to be concerned if their family has money problems, yet if they are reminded that they do not need to solve these problems, they will feel better. See tips above on how to talk with your children. Also, watch your children closely for changes in their behavior, mood, friendships, or school performance, and talk to your children\u2019s primary care clinician or other mental health professional as needed.<\/p>\n Plan family meetings.<\/strong> Family meetings are a very effective way for families to encourage healthy communication. It can be a time when family members learn how to get along with each other better. Parents can also use the time to share family values and cultural beliefs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"Piggy](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/05\/kidsconnection_200901_front.jpg\" "\\"Piggy")
Raising children can be very difficult when you have concerns about not having enough money to take care of your family. You may become anxious, depressed or develop other emotional problems. Often this makes it even more difficult for parents and other caregivers to take care of their own health and their children\u2019s health.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[618,629],"class_list":{"0":"entry","1":"post","2":"publish","3":"author-admin","4":"has-excerpt","5":"has-more-link","6":"post-321","8":"format-standard","9":"category-kids-connection","10":"post_tag-talking-to-your-children","11":"post_tag-the-economy"},"yoast_head":"\n