We can't afford it

Contents

• When things get tough
• What is happening?
• What it can mean for families
• What can you do?
• Dr Kim says

When things get tough

Every family has its ups and downs.

• Maybe there is someone in the family who is sick.
• Maybe dad or mum is out of work.
• Maybe there isn't enough money to pay the bills.

You may have heard on the news that right now there are a lot of families who are having money problems because of the Economy.

If you are worrying about these things then have a talk to mum and dad or whoever cares for you.

What is happening?

Around the world:

• Many banks have lost lots of money.
• Many people have lost money they had saved.
• Many businesses have closed or are struggling.
  
• Many people have lost their jobs.
• Many families are struggling to pay bills.

Your family may be okay but some families may not.

What it can mean for families

Mum or dad may have lost a job or be looking for an extra job. It can be hard for people to find work.

Mum and dad may be worried about paying the bills.  The family may have to make changes which you may not like.

Changes like: 

• Having to give up outings or holidays.
• Selling or not using the car very often.
• Travelling on public transport.
• Changing schools.
• Older brothers and sisters moving back home.
• Being careful about money.
• Having to move house.
  
• Moving in with grandparents.

Changes which we don't plan for are always a bit scary. Mum and dad may be worried and upset and that is unsettling for all the family.

What can you do? 

So, what can you do to help if your family is having problems right now?

Ask questions - talk about the problems so that you understand what is happening and ask what you can do to help the family get through this time.

Understand - that lots of families are having problems not just yours and it's not your fault.

Be helpful - maybe you could help younger siblings understand why they can't have everything they want.

Help save money.

You might check through the 'junk mail' looking for the best bargains on the food items that your family needs.

1. Don't ask for takeaways. Find recipes that will feed the family cheaply and volunteer to help with the cooking.
2. Drink water or cordial rather than fizzy drinks; they're better for you too.
3. Take a water bottle with you so that you don't have to ask mum to buy you a drink when you are out together.
4. Make your lunch instead of buying it.
5. Hang your clothes up so they don't need washing so often.
6. Switch off lights and look for other ways to save power and water in your home. (Missing out on washing yourself is not an option!!)
7. Walk or use your bike instead of getting mum to drive you around, or organize to get to school or after school activities with friends.  
   
8. Don't ask for things; then you won't be making your mum or dad upset that they have to say "NO".
9. Take good care of your stuff so that you don't lose or break something that will have to be replaced. Is your name on everything you take to school?
10. Help keep things tidy around the house and garden so that things don't get lost or broken.
11. You may even be able to earn some money in a part-time job to help out the family and to get some pocket money if your family can't afford to give you any.

Dr Kim says

 


Helping each other, showing care and understanding brings families closer in troubling times. If your friend's family is 'doing it tough' right now maybe you could show your friendship by being understanding and caring to him or her.

We've provided this information to help you to understand important things about staying healthy and happy. However, if you feel sick or unhappy, it is important to tell your mum or dad, a teacher or another grown-up.