by Olivia Bredbenner

Created on: June 16, 2009   Last Updated: June 19, 2009

It is our children that may begin to see the changes that take place when we are having financial problems. Our wish to often fill our children's requests while shopping never changes. However, our response to the urge to impulse buy must stop during this time.

The disappointments that we see on our children's faces as we have to do this over and over again, is something that we never get used to. So perhaps it is time to have a family talk .

Depending on the ages of your children, you may have to adjust what you say in order for your children to understand exactly what it means to have financial problems.

Give some serious thought on how to address this so that your children are able to grasp some perspective and what this means to your family. If, as the adults, you have come to grips with your reality, consider how this could be an opportunity for the children to participate in coping with this as a family. Giving the children roles that will make them feel they are part of the solution of the problem and not the cause.

Explain the need to stay on a tight budget in order to save money and how they can help reduce expenses. Try to make it a family game. Admittedly, one you hope will be behind you soon.

Make of list of all the little things that can add up to savings.

1] Make sure that the lights in your home are only on in the room that you need them. Let your children take turns being { the light monitor}.

2] Make a grocery list and use coupons when you can. Let the children help decide on one kind of cookies or if time permits, make oatmeal cookies together instead. Consider making popcorn rather than less healthy and more expensive snack food.

3] By your example, show your children how to be conscious of waste. Let them help you make soup from a chicken carcass, and hash from left overs.

4] Keep a jar or a piggy bank, where change can be saved for something special that you might be postponing now. Teach them the joy of saving for something in the future, rather than instant gratification.

5] Keep track of your expenses and reassess your needs. Ask your children to think of ways to save. Remember its a game. For entertainment use your public library to get CD's, movies and books or play board games. Take family walks and hikes in public parks and be alert to community programs available without cost.

Include in your family in the discussion during this time. Mom and Dad may sometimes be feeling irritable or cranky. Remind them that it is not

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