Have you seen the button, ‘I refuse to participate in a recession’? That is what I choose. However, I can’t ignore what is going on around me. I am aware of the troubles many families face today and I want to know what you are doing to keep your family together and comfortable during 2009? Here are some of my ideas.

Try to keep a steady routine going for the kids. With the stress of extended hours to cover for people that may no longer be at your company it’s easy to fall out of sync at home. Remember kids thrive on a home life they can depend on. They are well rested and higher functioning at school when things are steady at home. Try to split duties with your partner wherever possible. If you are both working extended hours to keep up, make a plan before the week even begins as to who will work extra hours on which days of the coming week so one of you can be home on time and keeping up your family routine.

Embrace special family time. Maybe you can’t afford to go out to dinner, buy new toys, or go to the movies like you used to because you are watching the dollars you spend. You can still do things as a family. Take a nature walk, hit up a nearby park, pull out some odds and ends and make up your own arts and craft project (make some play-dough, homemade bubbles or goop). Spending time with your kids does not have to cost big bucks; remember a little creativity can go a long way.

Don’t argue about money issues in front of the kids. Finance can be a point of tension for many couples, even when times are good. Kids don’t always understand why you get so passionate about a particular subject and can many times feel stress in relation to money issues if they are constantly hearing their parent(s) talk about it. I believe you should keep your kids educated about money and cost of goods but there is no need to argue your troubles out in front of them at the dinner table.

I’m not a professional in this matter; just another admin mom, like you. These are my thoughts and suggestions and I welcome yours. Please feel free to build on these tips with your own to continue to help other admin moms out there trying to keep it together.

Jasmine Freeman
Chief Executive Assistant to Office Dynamics CEO, Joan Burge

Cooked Play-dough
3 cups flour
1.5 cups salt
6 tsp cream of tarter
3 tbsp oil
3 cups water
1. Dissolve salt in the water.
2. Pour all ingredients into a large pot.
3. Stir constantly over medium heat until a ball forms by pulling away from the sides.
4. Knead the dough mixture until the texture matches play-dough (1-2 minutes).

Store in plastic container. Should last for at least 3 months.