How can children cope when mum or dad lose their jobs?

Research has shown that, with the current economic situation and recessions, over 3 million children will enter poverty.  In the case of a parental job loss, children are well aware of the fact that something tragic has happened to the family, but they don't have the coping skills to deal with it.  Additionally, parental conflict may increase which negatively impacts family tension and the family's sense of well-being and security.

Some behaviors that can signal that economic stress has filtered down to children in the family may include:

*  Irritability and negative statements about life
*  Generally anxious questions about the future, about the safety of the family
*  Increased fighting and arguing with siblings and adults
*  Frequent physical complaints/calls from the child's teacher
*  Spontaneous offers to help the family with finances
*  The appearance of tics, nervous habits, or nervous behaviors
*  Isolation

Some strategies that may help address insecurities with children are:

*  Give them a frame of reference (perspective) of what is happening with them.  Describe this as a historical event occurring in the country, as well as the family's history.  Talk about how grandparents got through tough times.  

*  Make sure that "signs of life" continue in the family, and that survival does not take center stage at all times.  Laughing, playing and doing things together that celebrate being in the family are powerful weapons in fighting back fear.

*  Take care of your own signs of stress.  Use some of the stress-fighting techniques mentioned in this blog.

*  Have a family meeting to come up with a list of resources, ideas, and family strengths.  Don't brush away children's offers of help, because they are looking for a sense of purpose and direction just like the parents in the family.

*  Take away some of the unknown by describing what might change in the family's routine, schedules, or activities.  Give them some time frame so they can know what to expect.  Stress that some of these changes may be temporary and some may be permanent, but be clear that the changes will help the family stay on track through this problem.