Lost Your Job? Help Your Preschooler Adjust

If you’ve just lost your job, you’re probably feeling pretty lost right now yourself. You played a million questions and scenarios over and over in your head on your drive home, and now that you’re home it’s all a blur.

You sit down to watch your preschooler play with their favorite toy from across the room, and you’re suddenly filled with fear for how they will handle the news. Use these tips to help your preschooler adjust to your job loss, and turn an unfortunate event into an opportunity for growth.

OFFER REASSURANCE

Your preschooler may first start to notice you’re spending more time at home, and be happy about the extra time together, but eventually they may start to pick up on the fact that there’s a little more to it than bonus play time. Your preschooler may start to sense your extra stress, or overhear a conversation that causes them to worry.

Because your preschooler is likely to pick up on the life change, being honest with them about the situation can prevent them from creating things to worry about. Of course, at your child’s age all they really need to know is that you’re going to be spending more time at home for a little while, and that they’re going to be okay no matter what.

APPLY FOR BENEFITS

Your preschooler is going to be fine no matter what, and so are you, because you’re going to head over to Career One Stop and find out how to apply for unemployment benefits in your state. The sooner you apply for your benefits, the better.

Typically, to receive unemployment benefits you will be required to submit evidence that you’re seeking work, so this is a great way to stay motivated to keep looking.

MAINTAIN ROUTINE

Having some time away from your usual work demands may tempt you to start sleeping in until noon, spending the day in your pj’s and completely blowing off anything related to a schedule, but you may want to keep that alarm set at it’s normal time and go ahead take a peek at that schedule anyways.

Routine’s are an important way to help a preschooler feel like they have some control and stability, and right now your preschooler needs to maintain as much stability as possible. Making sure you read that special book, sing that special song, or have your nightly arts and crafts time is important in maintaining normalcy in your preschooler’s life.

If you need to make any changes to routines for financial reasons, explain to your preschooler that you will have to pause that activity for a little while, and try to fill that time with something else you’re able to do instead. They may be upset at first, but in time they may learn to love their new activity just as much, or maybe even more.

TEACH A LIFE LESSON

When life hands you lemons…use them to teach your preschooler how to overcome trials. Your preschooler is watching you in admiration no matter what you do… It’s up to you to give them something worth admiring.

Your preschooler may not understand all of the specifics of losing a job, but they will understand that you’re facing a challenge, and they will watch you wake up every day and overcome it.

FOCUS ON POSITIVES

It can be hard to see anything positive out of our crummy situations, but sometimes you just have to step back and realize there’s nothing you can do to change it right this second, so you might as well roll with the punches and try to laugh a little while you’re at it.

One positive you can always focus on…Your extra time at home means a little extra time building memories with your preschooler.