Parenting in Tough Economic Times

Keeping your kids happy.............

In spite of the fall of the economy parents are still responsible for their children's happiness.  Children look to their parents for their basic necessities food, clothing, shelter and also some wants.  As parents it is up to us to determine how we will continue to be able to supply our children with their needs and some of their wants without breaking the bank in this bad economy.   Use this time as an opportunity to teach your children about the importance of not always receiving but about the importance of  giving.  Some parents have a very difficult time  allowing their children to take on small responsibilities and learn from life experiences.  One of the main responses most parents give for going over and beyond their call of duty when it comes to supplying children with their wants is "I want my children to have what I didn't have".  In most cases if you think back on your past if you were given everything you wanted you wouldn't know how to appreciate what you have today.  Most of your past probably seems so far fetched but when you really sit and think about it you wouldn't be the person you are today.   If you feel you have to supply your child with every want they desire regardless if they need it or not this may be an area that you need to examine.  It is okay to reward your children but make sure you are able to set a healthy balance in the process.  Don't make it personal focusing on what you didn't have as a child and focus on your current relationship with your child.  When you focus in on reality you will probably find that you are doing great things providing for your children.   Below are some tips and pointers.

1.  Stop eating out all the time (Spend more family time together by preparing meals in the home)  Prepare large meals and freeze them individually

2.  Cut down on going out to the movies (Spend more family time together by having movie night at home, Netflix is awesome)

3.  Spend time going for walks or playing their favorite sports with them at the park or in the back yard.

4.  Participate in Community Volunteer opportunities with your children, Meetup.com has many great volunteer groups

5.  Rent video games instead of buying them

6.  Prepare school lunch

7.  Save time and gas by creating a to do list,  grocery list etc.

Make a list of your child's wants and attach goals to help them reach some of their wants.  Some of the things to help them reach their goals may be in the form of completing certain chores, making good grades etc.  This will teach them that they have to work for what they want in life.

Download Goals Form

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