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Talking to kids about the economy
I had one of those “light bulb” moments the other day when my 4-year-old son tagged along for a quick trip to the salon. As I sat in the chair and chatted with my hairstylist, my son played his video games contently.
Before long, we started talking about the economy: The slumping real estate market. People losing jobs. 401(k)s disappearing. We must have used words, such as “bad,” “scary,” and “sad” in what amounted to a three-minute conversation.
My son stopped playing his game and put an end to it: “Stop talking, Mommy!” He said it firmly, with an intensity that was more concern than childish.
Shocked, my hairstylist and I quickly changed the subject and quietly wondered if my son actually understood what we were talking about. He may not know what being “underwater” on your mortgage means, but he certainly knew Mommy was not talking about happy things.
The experience really made me appreciate the degree to which young children can worry about issues that are far beyond their years. That afternoon, I saw my son in a different light. And I vowed to be more mindful of how and when I talk about sensitive topics.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has prepared tips for parents and caregivers when it comes to talking to kids about the economy. Among other things, they recommend limiting TV and other media time; talking to your pediatrician if your child shows signs of stress; and choosing your words carefully.
What tips do you have about talking to your kids about the economy?
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Comments
Nothing is more important than to maintain that sense of stability and safety for a child, particularly one as young as yours. I was an adolescent during the recessions of the mid to late 1970s and in college in the early 1980s, when interest rates were 22%+. My father was self- employed and there was no way for him to hide the worry when he had one kid in graduate school, one at Harvard about to go to med school and another in high school. It was extremely stressful to watch his anxiety and know how serious it was. Fast forward to my own family. I'm self-employed now, and although my teenage kids understand that money is tight and we've cut back a lot, I'm trying to maintain a sense of stability and safety. We are not in danger of losing the roof over our heads, but looming college tuition and expenses are a significant concern. These are trying times for parents indeed.
Posted by: FishiesGirl | March 6, 2009 8:34 PM