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Families across the UK are currently under huge financial pressure, with the continuing economic downturn forcing parents to find even more ways to cut down their monthly outgoings.

The NSPCC is all too aware of the challenges parents are currently facing, and has offered a range of tips to help steer them through the tough times and to deal with the tricky questions children may ask.

NSPCC parenting advisor Eileen Hayes says: "Children can pick up on their parents’ mood and may get upset, as they don’t always understand what is going on. All they know is that mum or dad are angry or stressed out.

"It is crucial that you monitor your child’s behaviour and if they are showing signs of stress, such as not sleeping properly or being more clingy than usual, take prompt action to give them the support they need. The key thing is that parents know their children best, and they need to judge just how much information is the right amount for them to know."

YourFamily’s  top tips for helping your children through the credit crunch:

- Try to keep things as normal as possible when it comes to family routines and rituals. It really helps children to feel secure if they know they can still have their weekly comic, or invite friends over to tea, or enjoy a DVD night.

- No matter how dire the situation may be, it is important to still have fun with children. Most of the things kids love with parents cost nothing (like a walk in the park, storytime, hugs, or making cakes together).

- Be as honest as possible when talking to your children (bearing in mind their age) as they pick up on adult stress and end up thinking it is somehow their fault. Children can be carriers of the stress going on in the family, and show this in a variety of ways, such as sleep disturbance or behaviour problems.

- Even if children aren't particularly stressed about the credit crunch itself they are likely to pick up on the effect money worries can have on adults in their lives. For example, they see mum and dad drinking more, arguing more, or avoiding one another. It is this trickle down effect that can be damaging, so parents need to be aware of what their children may be thinking and take time to talk to them.

- Try to find any books or stories about other children struggling with the same issues, as this can really help them understand what is happening.