Keep talking during tough times

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Families can help each other by doing a good job of communicating during tough times. When job lay-offs or house payments are a puzzle with no easy answer, it is easy to shut down the family talk. Perhaps we "don't want to worry everyone," or "want to be strong and tough it out" -- alone. It is important to note that as stress mounts, and as adults struggle silently with a difficult issue, other family members see the stress. When parents don't bring up the subject, children may feel afraid or guilty. They often blame themselves, or may feel that it is taboo, or inappropriate to talk about worries. When parents don't talk to each other, isolation and frustration can tear at the fabric of the relationship. Talking to your spouse and to your children is the most important way to help them deal with changes going on during tough economic times. According to Judy Myers-Walls, of the Purdue Child Development staff, "If parents don't talk, children can imagine the worst."

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