debt
Evaporating Family Time
Most parents wish their homes were a bit more like Beaver Cleaver's. He and his brother came home after school and Mom was there with a plate of freshly baked cookies. The family sat down to eat their meals together. They shared what they'd done during the day and talked to each other when they had a problem to solve.
But in today's busy world, living like the Cleavers just isn't possible for most families. Parents typically feel they don't spend enough time with their children because of longer working hours, volunteer and community commitments and time spent commuting to and from work. Children are pulled away from the home as well; on the average, they have more homework, are involved in more extra-curricular activities and spend more time outside the home than they did 50 years ago. During an ordinary work day, the average parent spends 10 1/2 hours working and commuting, at least 10 hours doing housework and sleeping and less than two hours caring for children.
Just being in the house at the same time your kids are doesn't necessarily mean you're enjoying quality time together. Television has become a major source of separation within the family. Too many family members spend more time in front of the television than they do relating to one another. In addition, computers, video games and telephones eat up a big chunk of family hours. Fewer and fewer families have regular family dinners together, go to church together or have family traditions and routines that they share on a frequent basis.
These separations are taking their toll. In addition to the climbing divorce rates, busy schedules and conflicting needs contribute to substance abuse problems, low self-esteem and a deterioration in the sense of family closeness that helps children stay on the right track. Parents feel more frustrated, emotionally drained and distant from their children. Without careful consideration and deliberate changes in our priorities, the family will lose its meaning.
Background Information
The Road to Debt
Learn to guard against the four common causes of debt.
Save or Swim
Danger: Thin Ice. Most people wouldn't risk their physical safety. So why do we ignore the signs of a financial catastrophe?
Drowning in Debt
If you can't seem to catch your financial breath, you're not alone. Sadly, millions of Americans are credit card captives.
Questions and Answers
What is the biblical approach to possessions and money?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
Prosperity and Pain
Finding blessings in the midst of incredible financial trials.
Credit—Not So Priceless
Every month, we spent more than we made and our balances ballooned. But it didn't stop us from purchasing a new living room set. Who could resist? Little did we know: we were digging a financial grave.
Living in Secret Debt
There's a high price to pay for acquiring debt.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
Even Though We Ain't Got Money…
That phrase – live on love – kept bringing to mind a song they played on the radio when I was a kid. I scoffed at its utter lack of common sense.
Learning to Roll With Change
It's not the most fun you'll ever have, but the results are worth it.
Related Topics
Transitions: Changing Jobs, Moving
Relationships: Communication Gaps
Parenting Teens: Communication Problems
