| With the unemployment rate hovering above 10% the | | | | maintain a sense of normalcy. Be consistent with |
| tough economic times many families find themselves in | | | | routines and rules around the house. |
| can put a real strain on the household. This can be | | | | - You can't put a price on family time but there are |
| particularly true in our relationships with our children. Isn't | | | | many less expensive alternatives that will allow you |
| it tough enough to raise children without having to deal | | | | that precious time with your kids without busting your |
| with job loss and an increasingly tighter budget? | | | | budget. Look for inexpensive things you can do at |
| Despite the fact that for many parents, times have | | | | home. Clip coupons, watch for sales, rent movies at |
| never been tougher, there are some things you can do | | | | home, make popcorn, do arts and crafts etc. |
| to help ease the burden and offer hope and | | | | - Be very careful to avoid letting your child see you |
| reassurance to your kids. | | | | worry or act stressed. This can lead to the child |
| - First of all, it is critical that you maintain a positive | | | | becoming overly worried and they are not well |
| attitude with your children, particularly if they are aware | | | | equipped to take on adult problems. If your child begins |
| of your job loss or financial situation. They need your | | | | to exhibit emotional or stress related problems at |
| reassurance that everything will work out. After all, you | | | | home or at school, a counselor could be very |
| are a family, you stick together, and there are no | | | | beneficial. Most schools provide this service. |
| obstacles too great for families who can maintain this | | | | - Try to make time for yourself, even if it's just |
| attitude. Your children take their cues from you. If you | | | | something small, like a hot bath with a magazine after |
| stay positive, so will they. | | | | the kids are in bed. Prayer or meditation can also be |
| - Be honest with your children but keep things in | | | | great stress relievers. There are numerous support |
| perspective. Children are pretty perceptive and often | | | | groups available for people dealing with job loss. These |
| know a lot more than we give them credit for. Assure | | | | can be great opportunities not only to help you cope |
| them that you will take care of them. | | | | with your situation but also as a good resource for |
| - Life's every day routines shouldn't change much just | | | | finding a job. |
| because of tough economic times so it is important to | | | | |