According to research, a third of Brits are adjusting their Christmas plans due to the cost of living crisis, with rising energy bills and food prices taking a toll on families' outgoings. And it's not just parents' mental health that are affected, children often experience stress and sleepless nights as a result of money worries too.
While we all want to have a magical and special festive season, it is important to have honest and open conversations at home to stop your children from worrying. Counsellor and mental health activist Lily-Jo, author of Talking to Children About Mental Health , is sharing her top tips for struggling families.
How is the cost of living crisis affecting children?
"Research shows that the cost of living crisis is significantly impacting young people today," Lily-Jo explains.
"The charity Young Minds reveals that cost of living is the major worry for over half of young people, so children are very aware of the situation, and many experience disruption to their daily lives, including diet and sleep, due to anxieties around money.
"It's not just older children worrying about the cost of living crisis either.
"Twenty one percent of 11-year-olds have said money worries caused them stress, anxiety, unhappiness or anger."
How does this worry impact a child's mental health?
Lily-Jo explains: "Just like adults, worrying about money or experiencing poverty can impact a child's mental health."
Children might experience:
- Anxiety, particularly around money, food, heating or lighting
- Sleep problems
- Feelings of fear, shame around not having the same things that their peers are getting for Christmas, guilt about spending or being overwhelmed
- Feeling stressed
What can we do to help children cope with the cost of living?
"It's really important, as parents and carers, that we keep the lines of communication open for our children, and that we recognise and spot some of the warning signs of struggling with mental health," says Lily-Jo.
"These might include kids withdrawing to their bedrooms, not really wanting to talk about feelings, or having nightmares and trouble sleeping.
"Having open dialogue with our kids, and asking questions like 'how are you?' and making sure we carve out time to actively listen to our children's anxiety can really help them feel safe and loved, and reduce stress."
As a caretaker, you can help to enable them to feel safe and open up to you by making sure your child is certain they can talk to you, and acknowledge how they are feeling.
"If a child is struggling with anxiety or stress, it's usually because a situation feels out of control to them," Lily-Jo explains.
"What you can do is help them by talking through the scenarios they are worried about so they become less abstract and then help them focus on the things they can control.
"Something I recommend is having a list of activities that always help a child feel more in control, hobbies or activities that put them in a good mood, like drawing or playing outside or going for a run.
"Then, once you've had a discussion with your child about their worries, recommend something on the list that's going to give them a mental health boost."
How can we explain to children they may get fewer gifts?
Lily-Jo says: "We can explain to children that there are many wonderful aspects of Christmas that we can enjoy for free, beyond the gifts.
"Lockdown taught us that we can spend time together and go on walks and enjoy lots of things for free.
"It's all about cultivating an environment where children know that even if they don't get a particular gift, their parents or carers can still plan something nice with family or friends that doesn't cost the earth.
"We can be open and honest with children about potentially having less material things this Christmas, while also being optimistic and using positive language.
"For example, 'You're getting one special present this year, but we're also going to invite family round to bake Christmas cookies together, or go on a Christmas walk to feed the ducks."
Are you struggling with the cost of living this Christmas? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
