Parentline Plus feels strongly that family life can be tough enough without the added financial pressures and strains that a drop in household income or unemployment can put on them. This sort of pressure leads to a greater risk of stress-related family breakdown.
Commentators such as Dr Tanya Byron and Trevor Phillips, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission watchdog, have sounded a warning about the effects from the ‘cold wind' of recession [1]. Stress and conflict may arise in some families as a direct result of a squeeze on household budgets and children may get anxious about the gloomy economic news and worry about the future for their family. Stress-related family breakdown is expected to increase.
The charity is urging parents not to be put off asking for help because they fear they will be labelled as ‘bad parents'. In a stressful situation, asking for help is a sign of parenting strength, and parents should be encouraged to access the support available, such as the free* and confidential Parentline service they offer 24 hours a day.
For a full rundown on the tips for coping with the recession, visit www.parentlineplus.org.uk/recessiontips for more information about
- Paying the bills
- Saving money on food
- Occupying the kids on a budget
- Smart shopping and raising cash
