Is unemployment stress weighing on our kids?

Page Last Updated: Tuesday November 17, 2009 3:10pm PST

Calli Fisher-News 4

The emotional stress that comes with finding a job in today's competitive market is taking a toll on families, so what is the best way to deal with the situation?

Stuart Gordon, the Executive Director of Family Counseling Service in Reno, says kids are picking up on the stress in their parent's lives right now. Stuart says even if you try to hide the stress, most kids will pick up on the changes at home.

We sat down Gordon to find out how parents should approach the topic with their kids.

"A lot of parents have a tendency to make children their confidant and tell them all their worries. Our children's job is not to be our confidant. Our children's job is to be a child," he said.

Experts say to make sure your kids know it's not their responsibility to worry about money.

Gordon says you shouldn't hide the financial problems, but only tell them what they need to know, and that depends on their age.

"With the little ones, I think just to keep it really simple. Middle school and high school-keep them informed to the point of we are working on a budget as long as we are on a budget things will be okay," he said.

Economic stress in family life is not an easy situation to cope with. Gordon says making sure children know everything would be okay, and parents that stay calmwill ultimately help the kids deal with the stressful situation.

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