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Raising Toddlers During Recession
Tips for Communicating with Small Children in Hard Times
By Katherine Bontrager
Dr. Goodman says not to discuss the topic but rather provide information and reinforce to children that they're going to be taken care of, regardless of the changes that may be occurring.
"It's OK to let children know a little bit of the reality," Dr. Goodman says. "Be honest but in an age-appropriate way. If the message is 'We can't get the things we used to,' kids may not understand that. So instead say, 'That doesn't fit our budget, but I can get this.' Better yet, substitute activities for material things or leave the house with a plan and a budget in mind, even saying, 'I have a dollar to spend on something special for you.' Or if Mom was laid off and you feel you need to explain, say, 'There were a lot of changes at Mom's company and they don't need as many people to work there anymore.' That's the reality of the situation but also doesn't overwhelm with information. Then parents need to reassure young ones that everything will be OK and stress what will stay the same."
Information to kids is best kept simple and always accompanied with something positive, says Dr. Robin Altman, a practicing child and adolescent psychiatrist and author of the book Shrink Rap: An Irreverent Take on Child Psychiatry (AuthorHouse, 2008). "You may want to say something like, 'Mommy lost her job, ad we're going to have to cut back to just the stuff we need for a while, but I'm looking for a new job, and maybe it will even be better. And, I've got it under control, kids.'"
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