do as I do
Filed Under Tips & Tricks | April 3, 2009
This month Jenny Schafer of Evolved Parenting tackles the topic of how your money worries can affect your kids:
In these tough economic times it’s easy to get caught up in everyday financial stresses and vent worries. But who’s listening? And what messages are we sending?
Do you find yourself saying things like, “I can’t afford that” or “I don’t know how we’re going to make it,” or other equally worrisome statements about money in front of your children? If so, your children might be internalizing negative messages about money or being concerned about their future. It comes down to how you want your children to relate to money.
Children shouldn’t have to be burdened with adult problems. Be it work stresses, relationship issues or financial strain, children cannot make sense of an adult problem. It’s important to be open and honest with your children regarding financial issues. Rather than “I can’t afford that,” try, “We’re watching what we spend right now and we’re not spending our money on everything we’d like, but mum and dad are taking care of everything.” You’re still being honest, but you’re also sending a stress-free message to your children.
There’s no question that times are tight for everyone right now. So what better time to step up and create a positive relationship with money? For yourself and your children. Use this as an opportunity to teach our children how to budget and save for special items. And the next time you catch yourself wanting to verbalize how tight the economy is, or how something’s out of reach for you financially, take note of who is listening and what message you are portraying. We have the power to blueprint our children’s minds and spirits with realistic and healthy views of money.
Jenny Schafer, creator of Evolved Parenting, is a mother, social worker, trained daycare provider and former nanny. For our previous columns from Jenny click here, or email Jenny your parenting questions at jenny@evolvedparenting.ca.
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