EmploymentDigest.net

Job Loss – What Do You Tell Your Kids?

Posted on 20. Aug, 2009 posted by Bill in Employment News

Parents often think they are protecting their children’s emotional stability by keeping bad news from them, such as the decrease in the family income they’ve lost their jobs. But what they are really doing-if they keep reality a secret–is denying their children a valuable opportunity to learn how to solve problems and adapt to changing life circumstances.

Additionally, parents typically have emotional changes themselves when they go through the difficult circumstance of a job loss. Children readily pick up on these emotional “vibes” in the house, but are at a loss to understand them since their parents won’t talk about what is really going on. They become confused, knowing something is wrong but being unable to talk about it with a caring adult.

A better approach is to sit down with your children and tell them that, due to your job loss, there is not as much money to go around. Let them know specifically how you are cutting expenses (give many examples) and then ask them for their suggestions on saving money. Maybe some summer plans have to be cancelled (camp, vacation, etc.). You can sympathize with them about not being able to carry out the summer plans, letting them know that you are also disappointed. Then ask for their help in figuring out some fun summer activities that are free or inexpensive.

Children are very resilient and can handle the truth so long as it is not presented in an hysterical, out-of-control manner. By presenting them matter-of-factly with reality and encouraging their participation in a solution, you are modeling collaborative problem-solving and giving them a valuable lesson in how to handle difficult circumstances that will inevitably occur in their own lives.

And you’ll probably be amazed at ALL the “little ways” they’ll think up to save money!

Judi Craig, Ph.D., MCC Executive Coach & Clinical Psychologist (210) 824-3391 http://www.Youtube.com/watch?v=fFapttuZ_h0 http://www.lost-my-job.com

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