URBANA - When parents are tense, upset, and inattentive because of job loss or decreased income, children pick up on it and may lose part of their emotional security, said a University of Illinois Extension family life educator.
"Even though you feel overwhelmed with your own problems, it's important to help your children cope with the stress they may be feeling," said Janice McCoy.
Here are some tips for helping children cope with their parents' tough times:
• You can help your children best by first helping yourself. Try to gain control of your own stress. Then you'll be ready to help your children.
• Give your children information about your family's situation that they can understand. Don't make a lost job or decreased income a secret from children and other family members, despite the urge to spare them or "save face."
• Recognize the symptoms of stress that may affect your children. These can include sleeplessness, diarrhea, withdrawal, headaches, and angry outbursts. Encourage your children to talk about their feelings and fears. If you feel ineffective in helping your children manage stress, talk to their teachers, a school psychologist, clergy member, or mental health professional.
• Promote balanced diets and get enough sleep and plenty of exercise to guard against health problems.
• Help your children focus on the positive aspects of their lives. Look at family and personal strengths and draw on the talents and contributions of all family members. Recognize these contributions, no matter how small.
• Hold a family discussion on how the loss in income affects the money that's available for extra activities and allowances. Talk about family spending priorities. Discuss how each person will help control family spending.
• Spend family time together doing low-cost or no-cost activities that family members enjoy.
For more information on coping with the stress that accompanies job loss and to learn more about which bill to pay first, how to talk to your creditors, keeping a roof over your head, and much more, visit U of I Extension's "Getting Through Tough Financial Times" website at http://www.ToughTimes.illinois.edu.
-30-
http://www.aces.uiuc.edu/news/stories/news4708.html
Contacts:
Janice McCoy, (815) 772-4075, janmc@illinois.edu
Phyllis Picklesimer, (217) 244-2827, p-pickle@uiuc.edu
