What to tell kids about divorce

Divorce happens.  With the amount of pressure people are under, it seems to be happening a bit more these days.  The adults' own feelings about the divorce are a big enough of an undertaking, but what and when to tell your children is an important component to consider.

Just like when communicating with children about other big events in life (illness in the family, moving, new sibling), it is important to remember a few things:

1) Keep the content age appropriate.  Use words that are typical for that child's everyday language.

2) Answer questions honestly, even if the answer if "I don't know, but I know you'll be ok."

3) Tell children in different age groups separately to attend effectively to their varying needs.

4) Practice aloud in your car or someplace private so that you can be as clear and calm as possible when speaking to your children.

5) Avoid language that might put your child in the middle.

For more tips, here is a great introductory article in Family Education.

If needed, be sure to enlist the help of a qualified professional in your area to support you or your children. With the school year coming up, be sure to inform teachers and school social workers so they can look out for your children during the day.  This is a big change for everybody involved.  Be sure to take good care and access any resources you need.

Be well,

Rebecca

When kids get stressed

Kids get stressed just like everyone else.  Be it parents divorcing, illness in the family, a teacher they don't like, issues with friends, academic performance issues, kids are out there learning to navigate the world. 

This article from Family Education provides good tips for helping your kids cope with stress.  Check it out!

Of course if your child is struggling and your efforts have not seemed to make much of a difference, most schools have social workers or teachers you can talk to.  Enlist the assistance of a therapist or counselor in your area if you feel you or your child needs additional support. 

Be well,

Rebecca

Teach your kids about money

Money, finances, debt, the economy, it is on all of our minds in some way or another.  Either we need more or we are trying to protect what we have.  As parents, this is particularly important and fantastic time to teach our children how to have a healthy relationship with money, how to manage it properly, and how to be mindful of where it goes.

Here are 10 tips to teaching kids about money by Paul Richard


1.       As soon as children can count, introduce them to money.

2.      Communicate with children as they grow about your values concerning money

3.      Help children learn the differences between needs, wants, and wishes.

4.      Setting goals is fundamental to learning the value of money and saving.

5.       Introduce children to the value of saving versus spending.

6.      When giving children an allowance, give them the money in denominations that encourage saving.

7.       Take children to a credit union or bank to open their own savings accounts.

8.      Keeping good records of money saved, invested, or spent is another important skill young people must learn.

9.      Use regular shopping trips as opportunities to teach children the value of money.

10.   Allow young people to make spending decisions.

For more information, check out Family Education at: http://life.familyeducation.com/money-and-kids/parenting/36332.html#ixzz1uIMbB28a

Be well,

Rebecca