Image courtesy of US Magazine

This story has been going on for quite a while, but it seems to be drawing to close.  A Malawi Supreme Court Judge has approved Madonna’s application to adopt 3-year-old Chifundo “Mercy” James. 

The problem had to do with a residency law that said that to adopt a Malawian child, you have to live in Malawi for 18-24 months.  The Malawian government didn’t enforce that law with Madonna’s other Malawian child, David, but for some reason in this case it decided to crack down.  The case went to the Supreme Court, where the judge ruled that it was an “old law,” and that Mercy should be with Madonna.

Apparently things will move pretty fast now.  The little girl’s papers and passport will be prepared over the weekend, and Madonna should be able to take her home by the middle of next week.

Madonna released a statement through her rep, saying, “I am extremely grateful for the Supreme Court’s ruling on my application to adopt Mercy James.”

I’m glad they approved this.  I’m not a fan of Madonnna, but if I had her kind of money, I’d adopt more kids.  I like to see people with virtually unlimited resources like Madonna and the Jolie-Pitts using them to increase love and nurture in the world.

Kids aren’t stupid.  They know that something is going on.  They hear the news and read headlines that shout about recession, downturn, layoffs, depression, decline…and they worry.  They worry even more if you and your spouse are worried. 

Kids need security, but they need it to come honestly.  So, how can you talk to your kids about the economic hard times that most Americans are facing without scaring them?  Here are some tips.

• Avoid TMI.  Kids don’t need to know the gory details.  If your 401K has declined, that’s not for them to worry about.  Stick to general truths and overall pictures.

• Be honest with the big picture.  Kids need to know that there’s going to be a little less money for extras.  They can handle it.  Even if the belt tightening is more severe that you hoped, let them know what’s going on.  You can even say, “It’s a little harder than we expected.”

• Enlist their help.  Remind them to turn off lights, and to wear a sweater instead of turning the heat up.  Tell them that the big family vacation is not possible this year, but then get their suggestions for fun activities closer to home. 

• Stay positive.  Hard times don’t last forever, and much of life’s sweetness transcends money.  Remind the kids that the sacrifices are temporary, and point out that it doens’t have to affect their enjoyment of theit favorite things. 

• Reach out.  It helps all of us, kids included, to be reminded that even if things are hard, we’re better off than some people are.  Volunteer to help at a food pantry or soup kitchen.  It reminds you of your blessings, and it makes you a part of the solution.  Kids have a heart for the suffering, and can learn these lessons alongside everyone else.

Kids know something is going on, so don’t make them more anxious by hiding things from them.  Let them in on it, appropriately for their age and understanding.  After all, economic hard times affect the whole family.

*Photo courtesty of the Austin TimesHerald.com