What Parents Can Say and Do
(from NASP)

Be reassuring
Children will take their cues from you, especially young children. Acknowledge that the potential economic challenges and uncertainty are unnerving but the likelihood is that you and your children or students will be okay. There is difference between the possibility of serious risk and the probability of it affecting them personally.
Acknowledge and normalize their feelings. Allow children to discuss their feelings and concerns and encourage any questions they may have regarding current events. Being an empathetic listener is very important. Let them know that others, including many adults, are feeling the same way and that their reactions are normal and expected.
Maintain a normal routine. Keeping to a regular schedule can be reassuring and promote physical health. Ensure that children get plenty of sleep, regular meals, and exercise. Encourage them to keep up with their schoolwork and extracurricular activities, but don't push them if they seem overwhelmed.

Turn off or monitor the television
It is important to stay informed, but watching endless news programs referring to “the economy is in crisis” or “another depression” is likely to heighten anxiety. Young children in particular are often unable to distinguish between news reports and their family’s reality. Older children may want to watch the news, but be available to discuss what they hear and help put it into perspective.

Prepare for Changes
Prepare your child for any anticipated family changes. If dealing with a change in family
circumstance or financial concerns, do not hide the truth from your child. Children sense parents’ worry and the unknown can be scarier than the truth. Acknowledge that change can feel uncomfortable but reassure him or her that the family will be okay. However, avoid unnecessary discussions in front of your child (particularly a young child) of events or circumstances that might increase his or her stress. Help your child have a part in decision-making when appropriate. Remind your child of his or her ability to get
through tough times, particularly with the love and support of family and friends.

Spend family time
Doing enjoyable activities with you reinforces your children's sense of stability and normalcy. Try to do things together, such as eat meals, read, play sports or games, go for walks or bike rides, or watch non-violent, non-stressful TV. When stressed, young children may also want more physical contact (e.g., hugs, holding hands, sitting on your lap, etc.). You know your children best, and your love and support are the most important factors to their sense of security. See Learning and Working Together, strategies to build financial understanding and cooperation through family activities.

Emphasize people's resilience
Focus on children's competencies in terms of their daily life and in other difficult times. Help them identify what they have done in the past that helped them cope when they were anxious or upset. As appropriate, remind them that the country, their community, and/or your family have weathered other challenges, including economic difficulties, and have come through even stronger.

Be optimistic
Even if the economic situation worsens, most people will be fine physically and will find ways to adjust emotionally to their losses. Resilience studies indicate that people who cope best are comfortable expressing strong emotions, surrounded by caring family and friends, keep a positive view of the future, and utilize problem solving skills.

Take care of your own needs
Take time for yourself and try to deal with your own reactions to the situation as fully as possible. You will be better able to help your children if you are coping well. If you are anxious or upset, your children are more likely to be so as well. Talk to other adults such as family, friends, faith leaders, or a counselor. It is important not to dwell on your worries by yourself. Sharing feelings with others often makes us feel more connected and secure. Take care of your physical health. Make time, however small, to do things you enjoy. Avoid using drugs or alcohol to feel better.

Communicate with your children's school. Find out what they are learning. Share any concerns you have with teachers, including if your child is experiencing stress related to the current financial situation. Encourage the teacher to keep you informed as well. Remember that teachers might be under heightened stress like everyone else. Not only are they supporting their students, they may also have their own financial concerns and/or trying to cope with their own family issues.

Download a printable version of the full article from NASP

Download a printable version of the TeachersAndFamilies Learning and Working Together Activities

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