Believe it or not, we are closing in on the one-year anniversary of The Flip Side Blog! I can't stress enough how much I've enjoyed exploring the different issues that face relationships, marriage, and parenting. Though I will admit that my self-imposed deadline of posting every Friday is not always the most fun. In honor of this anniversary, I'd like to take a moment to look back at some of the more popular discussions. Out of the 49 posts that I have written this year, it should come as no surprise to my readers that 5 of them focused on the challenges of dealing with money as a couple and as a family. Money was more popular than dealing with blended families, sex, infidelity, and the challenges that couples face in determining an equitable division of labor. It comes as no surprise to me -- money is still the number one subject that couples fight about.
What better way to celebrate this most popular subject than by continuing the conversation. I recently read an article on CNN about breaking the taboo of talking to your family about money. One psychologist was quoted in the article saying that "it's easier to talk about sex than it is to talk about money in our society." As with the subjects of sex and drugs, there seems to be a generational gap in the language and philosophy of spending and saving money. But the current economic situation has compelled us to take a hard look at our own personal habits and changed our priorities and spending habits. Baby boomers grew up with a sense of entitlement about money, an attitude that was often passed down to their kids. Now that savings have dwindled as the financial crisis has deepened, retirements have to be delayed and many families have been forced to cut back for the first time.
This insight doesn't change the fact that couples and families have to move the conversation about their financial realities to the top of their priority list. The couple has to be open and honest with each other when they discuss money and then decide together how to communicate these realities to their kids. Families need to band together during these trying times. The current financial crisis presents an opportunity to not only change your kids' attitudes about money but to let them feel secure in the fact that the family will get through any financial adversity together. As with all fearful subjects, kids and adults cope more effectively when they have all of the necessary information, as well as emotional support of their family.
This insight doesn't change the fact that couples and families have to move the conversation about their financial realities to the top of their priority list. The couple has to be open and honest with each other when they discuss money and then decide together how to communicate these realities to their kids. Families need to band together during these trying times. The current financial crisis presents an opportunity to not only change your kids' attitudes about money but to let them feel secure in the fact that the family will get through any financial adversity together. As with all fearful subjects, kids and adults cope more effectively when they have all of the necessary information, as well as emotional support of their family.
How are you and your partner dealing with the new financial realities? Have you had any uncomfortable conversations lately? Is it taboo in your house to talk to your family about money?
And as we head into the second year of The Flip Side blog, please email any relationship subject ideas that you'd like to discuss.
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