Maintain Face as Mom while Struggling through Recession

Our family has hit a huge road bump in our life. We have been hit hard economically by the country's recession, and unfortunately just when we think nothing else bad could happen, it does. It is very difficult to apply to jobs daily for a year and still have no employment, especially when you have children. How nice it has been to be at home with my baby girl during her first year, especially when I never thought it would be possible when I was pregnant. However, how to you veil you upset and panic to your child? My emotions are constantly written all over my face and I hate to have that face around my baby girl. What is more frustrating is trying to keep your chin up when you never know what is coming next. The other scary part is that unemployment is close to running out, then what? I realize many have opinions on those living on unemployment because I am sure some are not actively looking for employment, but for those of us who are, we are suffering. I am not trying to write about my own pity party, I am conveying that when your a parent and going through this recession, your needs are beyond your own. They are for your children and providing for them, and trying not to show your emotion to them. I have always loved my family and friends for their support and I don't know what we would do without our families. God has blessed us with that, but despite motherhood being a job within itself, it also feels like trying to be positive is an entirely new job.

I know many mother's need time out to with adults to keep sanity. It could include going to a movie, happy hour, or simple things like time alone or exercising. There are many ways to do fun things without money, but it is difficult some days. Pinching pennies and the constant worry wear you down to moments of despair. If you are one of these mother's, your not alone, and we should unite for support :) I believe in prayer, and I have been trying to dedicate more time to prayer. The only things that keep me going are my daughter and family, and without them life would hold more despair at the moment.