It’s tough to admit to your kids your that you are having financial problems. By being straight with your children you will find you you are doing yourself and them a favor.

There are so many temptations for kids today. They want the new toy, the latest and greatest Wii game, and the coolest clothes that their friends have. Without it being explained, they can’t understand why they aren’t getting everything their childhood and adolescent hearts desire.

By telling kids you really can’t afford something and why, you are involving them in family issues which makes them feel important. You are also treating them with respect, which is important to their development. It is essential for children’s self-esteem to feel loved, needed, wanted and included.

That said, the question is “do you have to paint a dreary forecast?” No. Just by being open and honest with children who are old enough (8 years of age is old enough in my opinion) they will understand what is happening in the family and you may find they are less apt to ask for “extras” when they know the truth.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 30th, 2009 at 12:51 am and is filed under General Interests. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.