Today's news often includes stories about the mortgage crisis in the U.S., but few articles mention its effect on the American family, especially young children. It is important for the early child care provider to know what to expect with this group of children, because they are already appearing in child care centers. Since January, school systems across the country are reporting a rapid increase in the number of homeless children.

It is estimated that 20% of families with a recent subprime mortgage will go into foreclosure. Many will have to move in with relatives or go to homeless shelters — and most shelters are ill-equipped to handle children.

Studies have shown that children whose homes are disrupted may develop problems with their behavior. There are also health concerns — families who are losing their homes may not have money available for health care and health insurance. Child care may become unaffordable too.

A report on the mortgage crisis and its effect on American children can be found on the First Focus website.

Child care providers will need to be aware of this situation, and they may be in a position to help parents who are struggling with these changes. The Family Communication website has an article that has many good tips for teachers — the main points from the article are summarized here:

Acknowledge the feelings of loss. It is hard to leave people and places that are familiar. Talking about these feelings can help both children and adults.

Use play to help a child understand the changes he or she is experiencing. For example, some children worry that when their belongings go into storage, they may never see them again. Use props to play act putting items in a box, moving it to a different place or into storage, then unpacking the items. Play can help a child understand that what goes into a box will still be there later.

Help children feel secure. Suggest to parents that they provide children with their own small bags where they can pack a few favorite items that can be available to them all the time.

Pay attention to the child's needs. Both teachers and parents should watch for signs of stress and find ways to provide comfort and support individualized for each child. Some children need to talk or draw, others need a lap and story, yet others simply need "down time" with a favorite stuffed animal.

from Family Communication's article “Insights into Childhood: Helping Children with Moving”

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