Keeping our heads up in today’s economy
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Everything seems to be in the crapper. With election politics heating up (and not necessarily in a good way), an economic bailout that I am pretty sure no one has a real clue about, and the American dream becoming less achievable for many, things seem to be “not so great”.
Or is it? I think that perhaps we’re really at a turning point — a sort of reality check where those that have not been realistic about what they cannot afford need to come to terms with the consequences. While this is happening at a personal level, I am not really sure that it is happening on Wall Street and in the government.
I know that for us, things are a lot more tight financially because we are trying to rebuild our emergency fund quickly after some major truck repairs. But we’re really coming together as a family, mostly because I am working evenings to generate additional income to rebuild our fund. This is an added responsibility for my husband, since he has to come home from work and take over childcare duties.
Although initially it took some getting used to, I think that this is also a great opportunity for us to really evaluate what is important in life. I think it has helped us develop a better appreciation for what the other person is doing, since now we are both working, and both taking care of the kid alone.
We’re also very thankful that we are frugal, and can currently handle our financial situation. I don’t need to run out and make the big $$$, but can stay at home with the kid during the day. At the same time, it has strengthened our resolve to get out of debt, and I am working harder to generate additional income streams.
How about you? Are you keeping your head up in today’s economy? Why or why not?
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Kid Advice
Like most parents, I read a lot about how to be a good parent. I’ve come to realize that a lot of it is crap. Some of it is good, but a lot of it is not.
Four of my friends have recently given birth (to happy, healthy little ones – congratulations!). For some reason, I was asked for advice. Given that my friends have different nationalities, religions, and even political affiliations, I really thought about what might be some good universal advice.
I came up with 2 things:
1. Read to your kids – Both my husband and I read to our kid. We started when he was just a couple weeks old (prior to that, we were in total survival/adjustment mode). I take him to the library weekly, and he can’t wait for story time every week.
We always read before bedtime, and frequently throughout the day at his request. He takes books with him everywhere we go. I can honestly say that he loves books!
If something were to happen to me tomorrow, I would like to think that even though the kid might not really remember me, I would have left him with a love of reading that will guide him through life.
2. Spend a couple minutes each day reflecting on your role as a parent – I tend to spend a couple minutes before I go to sleep going over the events of the day. At this age, I usually end up asking myself: What did we have fun doing? What sucked? How well did I do at enforcing discipline? Was I too strict or not strict enough? If I could change one thing about the day, what would it be?
All of these questions help me reflect on how I can guide my son as he continues to grow. Kids change so quickly, and I think it’s a lot easier to appreciate them for who they are when we take time to really think about the role we should (or perhaps should not) be playing in their lives.
Do you have a universal piece of advice? I’d love to hear it!
p.s. Just to let everyone know, we’ll be camping tomorrow and Saturday, so I’ll be back on Sunday (don’t want you to think I’m ignoring you!). Have a nice weekend!
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