by KC Leader Writing

Created on: April 11, 2009   Last Updated: April 12, 2009

"Why do we have to move?" The sadness in those teary brown eyes wrenched their mother's heart, who was fighting tears herself, trying to be stronger than she felt. They had decided to prepare the kids for the move well in advance so they could have some time to adapt to the idea of leaving the only home they had ever known.

The central valley area of California is foreclosure central. Here, this scene has been played out too many times, as parents who got caught up in the refinance your house and buy more stuff craze had to face reality. Early on, some were able to sell their home and buy another with more reasonable payments, but that didn't last long.

Home values dropped like a rock seemingly overnight, leaving home owners with very few options. For sale signs sprouted like tall, unsightly weeds, it seemed entire neighborhoods were up for sale. Streets where children once played were vacant. Family's, desperate for stability and good schools for their children, were sometimes twice burned, when the home they had rented in good faith turned out to be in foreclosure as well.

The long-term effects of this crisis are as yet unknown, but the short term effects can be devastating to the self-esteem of the parents. Children, who are acutely tuned to their parents' moods, are always deeply affected, especially when moving from their childhood home, a place that all of their memories are centered on.

As with all life-changing events, children react differently according to their basic nature and the nurturing of their parents. Some will act out violently, becoming sullen sometimes and hitting other children or hurting pets to vent their frustration others. Formerly happy go lucky children can become sad and listless, crying easily over seemingly small issues. They often ask questions that are painful for their parents to answer. Many have had to leave behind family pets, which were often a source of comfort and companionship, as they move to rentals that don't allow pets.

An upside of this crisis is that families are being forced to pull together. There is no longer money for boats, RVs, off-road vehicles and as these activities fall away, parents are becoming more inventive in the activities they use to entertain their kids. T-Ball, softball and community sponsored team activities are seeing renewed popularity and support. Parents, in comforting their children with family time and activities are building stronger bonds with their children and each other as they spend quality time together.

After the move, the cloud of foreclosure becomes a background problem, instead of constantly occupying parent's minds. The cloud of impending doom removed, parent's focus on helping their children thrive in a new neighborhood with new schools and daycare. Children explore their new environments and make new best friends. Life moves forward.

Learn more about this author, KC Leader Writing.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.