Q: My wife will be losing her job in a couple of weeks. She is the primary source of income for the family. I am a freelance writer and my income is unpredictable and insufficient to support the family. Our children have become very anxious about what will happen to our family. How can we help them deal with their concerns?

A: When a parent loses their job, it is natural for the family members to experience some form of anxiety. Your children are probably picking up the nervousness that you and your wife are experiencing. They may be concerned how their basic needs are going to be met. The children could be recalling images that they have seen or heard concerning unemployment or homelessness. Before you talk to your children, discuss with your wife what this change means to the family. Explore any contingency plans the family has and the necessary financial adjustments. Check, also, how both of you are doing emotionally. Your support of each other. Once you have a plan, talk with your children. Assure your children that they are your biggest concern. Let them know they will not go hungry or homeless. Explain you plan to meet their basic needs of food, shelter and clothing. If appropriate, explain to them why your wife lost her job. Tell them the plan to search for a new one and the financial impact on the family. Allow your children to ask questions and answer them honestly. Ask them how they can contribute to the chores around the house. Encourage them to share their feeling about the change. Keep them informed of the progress in searching for another job and let them know how much you and your wife appreciate their support and love them.

Back to Today's Family