(The following was contributed by Sarah Senst with Families First - - you can check out their blog at www.FamiliesFirstBlog.blogspot.com!)
Our country continues to be in a strained economy.
These past few years have been a humbling experience for me and my children. And
while it has been a stressful time, many good things have come of it. We have
found ways to do without, redefined our true needs and have a better
understanding of what are our priorities. For example, in our family, we value
time together now more than ever. And through difficult times we have grown
closer and work much better as a team.
It is important, that at times like these, we
continue to build that team. Now is a great time to learn about and understand
our local resources. In uncertain and unfamiliar times it is also important to
reach out for support. This support may go beyond your immediate family and may
include extended family, friends and neighbors, church, mental health
professionals, school, support groups, community resources and telephone help
lines. It is beneficial to discover that other people have had or are having
similar situations and to learn how others have learned to cope and adjust.
So many people have been faced with new challenges
in these changing times and have been forced to find new ways to manage. Some are faced with unemployment,
foreclosure, moving away from family, changing schools, adjusting to a new
lifestyle, or simply finding a new way of doing things. I heard an interesting
term recently called a “personal economy”. This idea is founded on not only
personal finances but focuses on assigning new and improved value to things and
the people in our lives. It is reestablishing the economics in your household,
both literally and figuratively. This is a great dinner time discussion to have
with your family, consider some of the following; “What do we enjoy doing?” “Is there another, less expensive way to
enjoy that same thing” “Is there something new we would like to try” “What do we
have time to do now that we didn’t have time to do before?” “What do we actually need versus what do we
‘want’?” Come together as a team to define your personal economy and utilize
your external supports and resources to do so. This creates familial strength
and resiliency!
For other great tips about talking
to your kids call… 1-800-CHILDREN(800-244-5373) or e-mail Sarah@FamiliesFirstColorado.org . For support in Spanish please call 1-866-LAS FAMILIAS. Both Family Support Lines offer parenting tips, community resources and information only and does not serve as legal or mental health advice.
