Government Shutdown and Helping Children Cope

If you work for the federal government or have a job that heavily relies on government contracts, you are likely to be affected by the current shutdown. For some, it simply means unpaid vacation time, while for others it means added financial stress and cutting back on expenses. For children, many may not feel very impacted by the shutdown, while others, especially those prone to anxiety, may develop increased anxiety if their parents work for the federal government. This anxiety may increase because they see their parents home from work, worried about money, and/or cutting back on expenses. 

Here are a few suggestions to help children cope:

1) If you are directly affected by the government shutdown, sit down with your children and explain to them in age appropriate language what is occurring with the government and why you can't go to work. Emphasize to them that the shutdown is temporary, does not occur frequently, and usually does not last too long. 

2) Try to avoid expressing worry about money in front of children, especially if they are prone to anxiety.

3) Try to maintain their normal schedule as much as possible (i.e., have the usual parent bring them to school and pick them up, have them attend usual after school activities).

4) Use time off to spend extra time with your children after school.

Most children should not be greatly affected by the shutdown, but for those already prone to anxiety, seeing their parents worried about the shutdown/loss of income has the potential to negatively affect them in some cases. Thus, using the strategies mentioned above can help assist in preventing children from experiencing excessive anxiety related to the shutdown.

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Dr. Carey Heller is a licensed psychologist with The Heller Psychology Group LLC in Bethesda, Maryland. He specializes in work with children, adolescents, and families, and is happy to answer questions and provide consultations for individuals who are considering pursuing treatment, an evaluation, or other services for their child, adolescent, or themselves. Dr. Heller can be reached at (301)-385-2610 or careyheller@thehellerpsychologygroup.com.

*Disclaimer: The previous information is intended as general guidance based on my professional opinion, does not constitute an established professional relationship,  and should not replace the recommendations of a psychologist or other licensed professional with whom you initiate or maintain a professional relationship*