Today's economy and our children

Hi everyone!

Have you ever thought about how this troubled economy is affecting your children and their families, or even our co-workers; The loss of jobs, decrease in hours, less time to spend at home because a parent might have had to take in an extra part time job; Moving from a comfortable space to a smaller space or even to a crowded space with relatives or friends; having to leave the daycare to be at home or with a sitter; possibly a risky change in the food diet and a reduction on the family's health, social life?

All these factors can be real at one time or another in these tough times. Are we ready to provide sympathy and help to show our concern as professionals in the field?

Take a minute to reflect on that.

Even if no one is directly affected, the children are hearing about this on TV, morning radio news, maybe a family member or family friend is going through some difficulties or the parents are simply talking about it. It is a good idea to see if children bring it up, if not... you can. Talk about people who must get by on very little. Use books, newspapers, and magazines. Ask them questions, and be ready to provide some simple answers.

Same with the parents: write a newsletter and address the current issue and say you are planning activities and ways to expose children and help them understand to the best of your means this whole situation. Encourage sharing, recycling, nurturing and caring for others. Help them value what they already have, to be grateful. At school you can have children bring food, clothing or toys to donate at a shelter in the community. Set up a clean-up team to clean up around your center on a warm day. The children can be taken to the library, on a bus trip to keep their social levels active. Suggest play dates to the parents. Brainstorm!

In your newsletter give some tips to parents on how they can approach their children about this subject. What can they do to make things better? Reassure them that you are aware of what is happening and you are ready to listen and help. If there is anything positive we can get out of these times, it is to learn to live wisely, responsibly and caringly.

The main message should be: Everything will be all right, we love you, we will be together, and other people are worse off; let's work together and help others.

See you next time.
Remember to SMILE!
N.