Fear. It’s the four-letter word that infiltrates our families, our job market and even our economy.. And while few of us enjoy fear, it is actually a very powerful and beneficial emotion. Why? Fear shows us that we need protection, and it outlines a coming threat – be it real or imagined. The challenge with fear is knowing when it is necessary to command our attention and what to do when we feel it. And the most common fear these days? If you’re the average American, it probably has something to do with money.
rnToday, many parents and families are now facing the consequences of overspending: and not just on necessary household items or fun luxuries, but monthly bills. Many people are not seeing a way out of their financial mess, and the light at the end of the tunnel looks very dim. So how are these challenging times affecting you and your children?
The Progression of Fear
rnWhen I talk about fear and problem-solving with people, I talk about a progression from logic to terror. We can start with thoughtfully processing an issue, but may then move to concern, then to worry, then to fear, then to panic, and finally terror. Concern is more of a logical fear that helps us to realize we have some problems to solve. Worry often results in us spinning our wheels and from there, progressing to panic, where we seldom accomplish our goals - let alone anything else. Often, the best strategy we can use to deal with fear is to logically look at our options, and if we can’t see our way out, get some help from someone who can.rnIn today’s challenging economic times, you may need to consider getting help from experienced friends or professionals to help you work your way out of debt, enhance a resume, or explore the job market. Keeping our problems to ourselves seldom helps us succeed or learn. What would you want your kids to do if they were getting a failing grade in school?
Setting the Stage for Life
rnAs a parent, you set stage for your children, and the manner in which you respond to issues models to them how to address emotion. With our current economy, it is easy to fall into panic mode, spend time talking about bills and pinching pennies, losing your temper with your kids, and feeling tense about everything from the lights being left on to their lunch money. All of the worry and panic in the world will not help you do your job better, and it will not bring the cost of gas down. Furthermore, the way you respond to these situations with your kids leaves lasting impressions on their still-developing minds.
rnSo what can you do to help your children grow through these financially lean times with you? Educate them about money and its value through a series of teachable moments. Here are some ways to do that.
1. Give them an allowance, even if it is very little, and teach them how to budget their money. If they want things that cost money, they are old enough to earn a little and learn how to spend it.
2. Talk to them about what you have learned about spending and saving. If you spent too much and have to pay back debt, and/or want to teach them about saving and interest, you can explain this with raisins, or pennies or other items that they can see and touch. Remember that as a parent, you are teaching them to prepare for life and how to navigate through it.
3. Don’t blame or guilt your kids for your stresses and/or financial problems. Let them know that they will have to be careful about spending to be a part of the team and the solution. If they are complaining about what they want or don’t have, then consider what you may have taught them in the past without realizing it.
4. Let your kids know (and also keep in mind) that the economy is cyclical, and things will come back around. It will take some work, sacrifice and patience on everyone’s part to work through this period. Learn what you can from this period so it does not have to happen to you or your kids again. Habits are hard to change, so help your kids create healthy ones.
5. No matter what happens, you all still love each other very much, and you can learn how a team works together.
6. Let them know that it is not things that bring us happiness, and sometimes it takes times like these to let us know that.
rnMany parents think that teaching their kids to fear the worst will often keep them from experiencing it. This is not the case. Either they may grow up feeling afraid to live life, or they can grow up and deny that hardships are happening, because they believe that acknowledging fear is a weakness. Remember that fear is a healthy emotion, in balance. Finding that balance is the tough – but not impossible - part.
Erik Fisher, Ph.D., aka Dr. E…
www.ErikFisher.com
rnErik Fisher, PhD, aka Dr. E…, is a licensed psychologist, author and media consultant who runs a private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Visit him at
www.ErikFisher.com. His work has been featured on CNN, and he has been a resource for NBC, CBS, FOX, CNN. The Art of Empowered Parenting: The Manual You Wish Your Kids Came With is his second book and promises to change the way that parents and families look at themselves and each other.