Yes, you read the title correctly – I’m a Retro Mama.
I believe you can be one too. It’s not a bad thing, actually it’s one that can save your family. Let’s face it the economy is not getting any better but it’s something we can certainly survive. It seems that this is all cyclic and if we ask some of the folks from older generations they will agree that this is something they survived once before. We may be too young to realize that our parents and perhaps our grandparents suffered with a failing economy and made changes within their families that were necessary for survival.
Although we may not think that it is possible to survive, just listen to the stories. It’s true that our era is different with technology and such but it is all relevant. They were on the cutting age of technology with the color television as we are with netbooks and 3D televisions. We need to listen to realize that we can survive, as long as we don’t panic.
Many sacrifices were made in the past to raise happy, healthy and stable children that we can apply to our families today. Why must we feel that we NEED to give our children what we never had? Our children NEED us, our love and our support. Our children enjoy our company and can easily adapt to changes. We need to understand that changes are occurring and with the proper choices we can all survive.
Our family has definitely seen changes and they have all been positive. Although they were not easy at first, with time it was a new routine that was accepted. No longer do we run from one extra-curricular activity to another. We actually eat meals together as a family more than ever before. The children have ‘down-time’ to be children. I know that sounds silly but it’s true. The stress I was unconsciously providing was one that was unnecessary.
Explaining to our children the state of the economy is a necessary one but not one that has to be depressing. Use your imagination and develop projects and games that don’t have to break the bank. Cooking more meals together as a family is great. Teaching your children how to live frugally is essential. Remember our children are our future and nothing will please us more as parents as watching our children grow into happy, healthy and stable adults.
Are you a Retro Mama? I am and I’m raising Retro Kids…won’t you join me?
