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With all the bad economic news we hear on the TV and radio daily, and all the doom and gloom predictions from the experts, there is hardly a family out there now who is not filled with fear. Many breadwinners have lost their jobs or are bringing home a smaller paycheck. Many parents have to work two or three jobs, and many are losing their homes. So how does one relate all this to one’s child, without creating alarm and anxiety in the home?nn1. Be positive. Even in the face of job loss and dire economic times, we can and should look for things to be grateful for. We are still alive, and because we have life, we should always have hope. Napoleon Hill, the famous author of Think and Grow Rich, said there is an opportunity in every adversity we meet. Being positive helps you actually see and find the hidden opportunity in every circumstance.nn2. Be honest with your children. And yes, cry if you must. It’s okay for your children to see true and healthy responses to life’s challenges. Explain to them that mommy or daddy lost their job, and there will have to be changes made at home. But, help them realize that it is not the end of the world, and that the family will pull through this together. Pretending that nothing has changed puts unnecessary strain on the whole family. Children are very perceptive and can sense it when they are not being told the truth. This fills them with more fear and dread of the unknown.nn3. Trim the budget. Sit with your spouse and children, if they are mature, and come up with a list of luxuries that the family can easily give up, to help stretch whatever income is available. Seriously look at your finances, including the new clothes, eating out, magazine subscriptions, coffee etc., and trim off anything that is not necessary. Consider coupon shopping, and outlet shopping instead of boutiques.nn4. List all the resources you have. Consider family members, friends, and previous employers you may have done business with, who were very impressed with you. List all the online and offline listing agencies and job firms available in your industry. Formulate a plan for contacting your resources, in your quest for a new job. Involve your older kids, as you go through this process, since they will themselves be going through this process, before long.nn5. Dust off your resume, and update it. Take pride and care as you write it up. Remember, this is the first impression you give of yourself. If you present a sloppy resume, potential employers may think you are sloppy, and may not even call you for an interview. Research potential new jobs and acquire as much knowledge as possible about the job you seek. You will come across as being well-informed, and that will give you an edge over the competition.nn6. Use this opportunity to teach your older teens how to prepare for job interviews and how to dress appropriately. Point out to them that a well prepared person who goes the extra mile will have success even in these trying times.nn7. Take a hard look at yourself to determine if you could in anyway have avoided the situation. Be willing to make the necessary changes in attitude even as you prepare for your new job. Blaming the company serves no purpose, and new employers definitely frown on prospective employees who complain incessantly about their old jobs and bosses. Again the attitude you show is what your teen will emulate.nn8. Be willing to try new and different jobs. Think outside the box. You may find a job that is even more fulfilling than what you trained for. Be flexible and willing to acquire new skills. The human brain has a great capacity for learning and is usually much underutilized. Do get the brain cells going and discover a whole new world out there.nn9. Be creative. This maybe the opportunity to start the new business you dreamed of, but never had the courage to start. Brainstorm with your spouse and teens about creative job ideas, and don’t be afraid to take that first step. Here again, it is important to stay calm and have a positive mindset. A mind filled with fear is not a creative mind, and feeling sorry for yourself definitely cuts off the innovative juices.nn10. Be pleasant at home, and avoid taking your frustrations out on your children. Parents must set good examples for their children in both the good times, and the not so good times. True strength and character is revealed more during the hard times, than when all is good and rosy. Your children will respect you for it and will develop good character traits that will serve them well in the future.nn11. Be open and honest with your friends about what is happening in your life. True friends are those you can share both your joys and sorrows with. Pride, and pretending that all is well, confuses your kids and puts unnecessary strain on them, since they feel they must also pretend. And who knows, you may be just the partner someone in your network maybe looking for to start a new business with, or to hire for a new job.nn12. Be careful not to be taken in by “get rich schemes”, that promise unrealistic goals. You are at your most vulnerable, so enlist the help of your spouse or trusted friend in evaluating every deal that comes your way.nnParents, remember that you are what you think, and your thoughts become your reality. Even as everyone is complaining about how terrible the situation is, take a step back and be thankful for all the blessings you previously took for granted. Show your children that with faith in yourself and a positive attitude, adequate knowledge and the willingness to work and excel, you can overcome and thrive against all odds, even in an economic downturn. nnLook around you and see others who have excelled and become successful no matter the environment. Believe in yourself and go for it, and you would have taught your children a very valuable and lifelong lesson.