Parenting Tips for $$ Issues

This morning I received a message from the National Center for Fathering (fathers.com), an organization for Christian Dads. I contribute to them financially whenever I can and have also benefited from their compassionate parenting advice.

Yes, I know, I am not a guy. But I do appreciate the wise man's perspective.

Here's an excerpt from today's fathers.com mailing:

"Sue Shellenbarger, the work and family columnist for the Wall Street Journal, has written about how to help kids understand your own financial issues. Here are several of her insights with some added application ideas:

First, talk about lifestyle changes that need to be made, even with young children. Tell your kids the facts in a brief and straightforward way, giving them as many specifics as you think they can handle regarding income, expenses, and your budget. This is a great time to let them see some of the realities of money management.

Second, involve your children in the problem-solving process. Don’t feel bad if you have to tell them, “We have to find ways to spend less money.” Kids can handle that, and they might even surprise you by volunteering to make some changes to help the cause. In the process, you’ll learn more about what really matters to your kids.

Third, make it clear that while some things are changing, other important things are not—like your values, your faith, your involvement in their lives, and how much they mean to you. Young kids sometimes assume the worst and don’t always apply sound logic, so they may need to be reassured that things will be okay, you’re not leaving them, and your love for them will not change.

Read the article by Ms. Shellenbarger here." (source: www.fathers.com)

And now for a little something from a wise man named Paul: "For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength." (1 Corinthians 1:25)

I find this verse reassuring because I don't always get the good advice in time. And then, depending on the day, the time, place, and source, I may or may not listen when it is offered. Do you do that, too?

Today I pray for wisdom and perspective for all all parents. xoxox, Cheeky

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