728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Articles › Family › Raising Toddlers During Recession

Raising Toddlers During Recession

Tips for Communicating with Small Children in Hard Times

By Katherine Bontrager

Pages:  1  2  3  4  5  

This trying time can be even tougher if your little one is in the throws of the "gimmes." "For little ones, they need to be gently told, 'We can't afford that, but we can do cool stuff together, like going to the park,'" Dr. Altman says. "And when children are old enough, you can get them in the habit of helping out with little chores to earn money to save up for things they want."

Dr. Altman also suggests setting a family goal for saving up for an item a child wants, with everyone pitching in. And don't be afraid of finding things secondhand. Dr. Altman suggests flea markets as a great place to provide both memorable experiences and affordable items.

And every expert offers this advice: Remember, it's the experiences you have that are important. There's no substitute for your hugs, attention and approval. These things cost nothing and do more to communicate to your child that he or she is important, regardless of what changes may be occurring. And an added bonus? This type of quality time somehow makes everyone feel better, despite the tumultuous times in the economy.

Pages:  1  2  3  4  5  

Want to see more?

Comments

There are no comments for this article yet.Be the first to add a comment.

Post As:
Enter your comment below:
Title
Comment Text
CAPTCHA
Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection.