The Forgotten Unemployment Victims: The Children of the Jobless

Business Wire,  July 9, 2008  

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Child Development Expert Denise Daniels Says Honest and Open Family Meetings Are Keys to Helping Children Survive Parent's Job Loss

MINNEAPOLIS -- Noted child development and parenting authority Denise Daniels says more attention must be paid to helping children cope with the challenges families face when a parent becomes unemployed. She's offered a five-point plan to help families through a job loss crisis.

"With the growing number of job losses in the work force today, new issues are emerging for American families," says Ms. Daniels, author and Peabody Award winning broadcast journalist. "While much attention has been focused on adults to help ease their stress, until now little information has been available to help kids from toddler age to teenage to cope."

Ms. Daniels, whose self-help books have reached over 10 million children, says the entire family is affected by a job loss and the whole family should be involved in easing the strains caused by unemployment. She offers the following tips on how to cope:

* Deal openly and honestly with your children about your job loss. Children are intuitive and perceptive. Trying to protect or hide the news will only add to their confusion. Remember, what's mentionable is manageable! Providing age appropriate and accurate information is key.

* Hold regular family meetings to develop an action plan for the future. Encourage children of all ages to express their feelings, worries, or concerns by creating an environment that is conducive to feeling comfortable, and accepted. Use this opportunity to talk calmly but honestly about expectations and anticipated life style changes.

* A parental job loss is an opportunity to teach values. Unfortunately, in today's society we are often defined by our jobs, so this is a time to talk about what is even more important - how family members can help one another in times of crisis. Discuss ways children can be of help during this time of transition and encourage them to feel they are making a contribution. The invaluable life lesson here is that self-worth trumps net-worth.

* Provide honest reassurance that although you have lost your job, in time, you will find another. Let your children know that in the meantime you will do your very best to take care of them. Tell them honestly how their lives will stay the same and what will be different.

* Take time to play together in this challenging time. Planning a family fun night or "staycation" will help children feel connected and secure. Enlist the children's help when planning activities as this will help them feel involved and valued. Remember, the "job" of children is to play!

About Denise Daniels:

Denise Daniels is a Peabody award-winning broadcast journalist, child development authority and author whose specialty is helping children and parents deal with emotions. Her books from BantamDoubledayDell and Workman have reached more than 10 million children. She was sent to South Asia by the U.S. State Department after the tsunami to help affected children, a role she also played following Hurricane Katrina and has consulted with the United Nations, First Lady Laura Bush and Senator Hillary Clinton on children's issues. Denise has earned an outstanding reputation for her ability to deliver concise assessments and commentary on issues relating to the emotions and well being of children, making her an in-demand resource for parents and media alike.

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