ERIC Number: ED530560
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 6
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Raising Resilient Children during Tough Economic Times
Tom, A.; Yuen, S.; Fong, G.; Nemoto, M.; Hisatake, T.; Choy, A.; Chang, W.
Center on the Family, University of Hawaii Manoa (NJ3)
Financial hardship can result from many different circumstances--a poor economy, the loss of a job, underemployment, the prolonged illness of a family member, divorce, poor money management, or a combination of several factors. Whatever the cause, the resulting impact on a family can be stressful for all members, including children. Stress from any event or life situation that disrupts children's routines and sense of security puts children at risk for negative outcomes such as poor physical and emotional health, poor school performance, and lowered self-esteem. The risks increase when children face cumulative stress from many sources and when the stress is prolonged. The good news is that families that are intentional about pulling together in times of need can turn a serious challenge into an opportunity to build resilience in their children. Resilience is the human capacity to face, overcome, and be strengthened by the adversities of life. Resilience allows families to adapt to difficult situations in positive ways. When children are resilient they can display courage in the face of difficulties and bounce back more quickly. These children feel comfortable sharing their feelings and asking for help when they need it. Resilient children can feel secure even when circumstances around them are constantly changing. Children develop resilience in families that communicate well, work together to solve problems, and do things together. This publication presents an overview of what parents can do to create an environment that builds resilience in their children during times of economic stress or other hardships. It also presents strategies that parents can use at different stages of their children's development. (Contains 10 resources.)
Descriptors: Personality Traits, Economically Disadvantaged, Money Management, Mental Health, Economic Climate, Resilience (Psychology), Child Rearing, Stress Variables, Coping, Family Environment, Child Development, Stress Management, Childhood Attitudes, Affective Behavior, Parent Child Relationship
Center on the Family, University of Hawaii Manoa. 2515 Campus Road, Miller Hall 103, Honolulu, HI 96822. Tel: 808-956-4132; Fax: 808-956-4147; e-mail: cof@ctahr.hawaii.edu; Web site: http://www.uhfamily.hawaii.edu
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Annie E. Casey Foundation
Authoring Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa, Center on the Family
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A