1.   Make decisions regarding exposure to the media, sheltering children to some extent from troubling issues, news and photos. Depending on a child's age and his/her reaction to the media, be aware of exposure to headlines and photos.  Talk with them and listen to their thoughts to see how they are making sense of events.  An article with some suggestions for economic and financial related children's books can be found at the following URL:  http://www.slate.com/id/2201710/

2.   Build a sense of stability through family routines and traditions. Children love to look forward to events and activities and gain a sense of security from these familiar occasions.  Often such routines and traditions form enjoyable memories and provide a sense of connection with the important people in their lives. 

3.   Encourage feelings of security and connection through community participation.  It is reassuring not to feel anonymous in one's community and have people nearby who know and care about you.  During emergencies and stressful times, communities can provide considerable support. 

4.   Help children take age-appropriate action.  When bad things happen, we tend to feel helpless and vulnerable and taking action can reduce these feelings. Helping your child think of  creative ways to learn about money and finances and contribute in their own way to the family transforms feelings of powerlessness into an opportunity to build confidence and competence.

5.   Remember the simple pleasures and have fun together.   The whole family can use their creativity to think of ways to enjoy time together where it costs little to no money.  A walk, an ice cream cone, cooking scrambled eggs together, watching a movie, or reading stories to each other, all take little time and money, but provide enjoyment and enduring memories.