by Debbie Campbell

Created on: April 12, 2009   Last Updated: April 15, 2009

Foreclosures range from the poorest to the most elite today - there is no discrimination when it comes to this economical crisis. Some have grown accustomed to having "what they want" and due to unforeseen circumstances in the economy - are now at the "what they need" stage. Foreclosures are found in every city and every state of the United States today and many have been impacted by this economical blow. Being prepared is almost impossible, and stress is inevitably on the rise due to this widespread problem.

Children don't always have the opportunity to relieve the stress as parents do. There are centers now open with counseling available to adults in need of help during a foreclosure, job loss, etc. As counseling increases for adults, and people are sympathizing their losses, there are shadows of stressed children behind the scenes that seem to be overlooked, yet the impact of the economical crisis is massive to the children of our nation.Children can't prepare for such a tragic event as well as adults, there are many areas of the economical downfall that they don't understand.

Unfortunately, our children have lost more than just a home; they suffer from the loss of their best friend down the street, the "personalized" bedroom they decorated themselves, and the familiarity it brought to them after a long day at school. They too worry about where they are going to live and what kind of lifestyle they will be transitioning to.

Many adults explain to coworkers that they have lost their house to foreclosure and obtain sympathy and understanding in today's hard times, but for a child to have to explain to the kids on the school bus why there is a "FOR SALE - FORECLOSURE" sign in the front yard presents a traumatic experience for them. A child's pride is important to them, when something threatens that - they become insecure, they feel "different" from their peers.

The transition from having a home to losing a home has a massive impact on our children, not to mention the turmoil and stress the parents portray during this time. The child's view of this situation is an extreme one and should not go unnoticed. Communication with our children is vital during this time; talking it out, explaining that they are loved and understanding that they too are suffering just as bad as the adult is vital to enhance the healing process. Children need to know that they are being heard, that someone knows how much they are suffering through this as well.

Communication can't stop a foreclosure from happening, but communicating with children is the key to help ease some of the pain they face during a foreclosure.

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