So today's the day, dh's last day of work - laid off after 20 years of service & never one bad review.
I was sick to my stomach as I suggested maybe he take an empty box with him today.... but that's only half as sick as I feel realizing we've got to tell the kids why dad's not going to work tomorrow. How do you do it?

When they were small, they'd always ask Daddy not to go to work, to stay home with them (they adore him), and we've always explained that Daddy has to work to make money to pay for ... you know, everything. So now, at 6 and 9, they understand the need for work (and money)....so how do we explain no work (they're not dumb, I'm sure it'll strike fear about no money).

I'm sure some of you have been there, right? Any suggestions?

I'm thinking it might be easiest on him if I do some of the news-breaking before he gets home, since he's so downhearted as it is (you know, sort of to save him more agony...?)

I'm thinking I'd keep it light, matter of fact, and not dwell or anything, but... how?

Oh Lorax, I am so sorry...I didn't know your dh was being laid off. Do hope the company is being good to him and that something even better will open up soon. 20 years huh, that is rough. :-(

My kids are a little older than yours at 9 & 11. Dh was laid off in March, and we just said that Daddy would need to find another job since his company was cutting back. We reassured them that we had money saved to pay bills, but we all needed to be as saving as possible. We all tried to think of ways to save money, and ds offered his piggy bank money. ;-)

So I am sure that your children will be fine, it will just take a little time to adjust. I think this layoff was really difficult on my dh, so give your dh as much support and encouragement that you can.

Hugs,
Kathy

(((HUGS))) Not a fun situation, that's for sure. But one that we are also going through. My dh was laid off earlier this month; he's a union carpenter and there is just not a lot of work out there at the moment.

Imho, you are right to keep it light and matter of fact. That's pretty much the approach we took. My kids are a bit older than yours--17, 12 and 10. Like you said, they are not dumb and mine hear about the economy on the news, in school, etc. In our case, we were able to explain it pretty simply--people aren't buying new homes right now so dad's co. doesn't have any work at the moment, we'll be tightening the belt and not spending money on lots of extra things, etc. etc. To tell you the truth, it pretty much doesn't seem to phase them.

Good luck w/the telling and good luck to your dh.

Oh I am so sorry that you're going through this, it is no fun.

All you really need to tell them is that Daddy's company had to let him go and now he'll be able to spend more time with them for a while until he gets another job.  And that's it.  Maybe have Daddy go up and eat lunch with them or volunteer in the classroom while he's able to.  They'll think of it as a good thing and not a bad one.  Even at 9, it's in how you present it and react as adults.

Hugs,