First, there was the earthquake disaster in Haiti. The stories and devastation were almost too much to take. Now Chile is rocked by an 8.8 quake. The news coverage and sheer magnitude of one natural disaster – let alone two — can easily frighten and worry our kids. Now what do we do?
Talk: Hopefully, our kids turn to us for answers and reassurance. Encourage your kids to talk. Listen to what they are saying. And provide straight-forward and age-appropriate information.
Support Your Kids’ Interests: Some kids may feel better by channeling their concern into a deeper understanding of the topic. I came across a blog that lists a range of books on earthquakes. One of them may meet your kids’ needs. http://missrumphiuseffect.blogspot/2010/01/thematic-book-list-earthquakes.html
Take Action Together: Allow your kids to participate with you in supporting the relief efforts. Helping others can offer a positive release, create a sense of control over something overwhelming, and lessen your kids’ concerns. Go to http://content.usatoday.com/communities/kindness/post/2010/02/chile-earthquake-how-you-can-help for a list of reputable organizations coordinating relief efforts.
Please post other ideas or resources. The more approaches we share, the better prepared all of us can be to deal with the aftershocks.

©YesKidzCan!, 2010.

A lot of us have been snowed in over the past week, and this means coming up with ways to entertain our kids! How about trying something completely different? Use the time to teach your kids about giving back. My colleague, Julie, has been teaching her five- and eight-year-old boys about giving, saving, and spending for a few years now. First, she had her boys decorate a “giving jar” for money that will be donated. (You can use a glass jar or coffee can.) Then, her boys created a “savings box” for money that will be kept for big-ticket items or the future. (Try a shoebox, a plastic container, or whatever you have on hand.) Finally, she bought each boy his own wallet for money that can be spent. (An envelope works, too.) Julie and her husband discussed with the boys the purpose and meaning behind each container. They also created a “matching savings program.” Whenever the kids place money in the savings box, mom and dad match it dollar for dollar. Their understanding is that the boys cannot touch the savings until after college. In their household, the boys earn allowance each week but actually get paid every three months. On payment days, the boys take out their jar, box, and wallet and get their allowance. Mom and dad have fun paying the kids with crisp one-dollar bills. The boys are told they can decide how much money to put in each container without any coaching or coaxing. Julie says it has been fascinating to see the good choices the boys make on their own. She shared that her oldest wasn’t too fond of placing money in the giving jar at first (which is very common and completely acceptable), but over time, he has decided to do so. Whether you are snowed in, the kids are on break, or you need a weekend activity, the beauty of this idea is that you can modify it to fit your household. Give it a try, and let me know how it goes!

©YesKidzCan!, 2010.