Tight Times
In this period of economic instability, we must all learn to be frugal. As adults, we can devise ways to economize, make the most of what we have and spend our hard-earned money on necessary and very important things only. But how about children? How can we make them understand a complicated situation like the economy? If you’re a parent, how would you teach your kids the value of being thrifty?
I came across a b
ook for children during Adarna House’s Lecture Series in July, entitled “Tight Times.” This book, in my opinion is an effective tool to let children know our economic situation and make them value money. It is a 30-page illustrated storybook told in first person (from the point of view of one of the children in the family). The story opens with the phrase “Mamang says these are tight times, so we’ve got to be tough (Sabi ni Mamang, ito’y panahon ng taggipit kaya’t kailangan nating maging matatag). From this line, you know already it is touching a serious subject that is also complicated for a child. But the tale is very well-written: simple, direct, sensitive and hopeful. Aside from being thrifty, “Tight Times” also teaches its readers how to save and economize, appreciate the things you have, and be thankful for every little blessing you receive. It also explains why certain activities you do regularly before you only do once in a while now.
