Thread regarding Devon Energy Corp. layoffs

Teach them to be independent and positive about themselves. Here something I read Whatever somebody says or thinks about you is none of your business.

Yes, praying is a great idea. Versus looking for a job, or leaving OKC.

definitely tell them ... they are old enough to understand. I got two in the same range and have been preparing them for a possible layoff in April (Chevron). I told them that we will still try to keep some of their activities going, even if it means we have to cut some other thinks like dining out or cable TV.

I explained the current market situation and oil glut with a comparison to them having a lemonade stand selling lemonade for $1 but there are a bunch of other kids who are selling lemonade in our neighborhood and they have been dropping the prices to get more business. Eventually they were selling lemonade for $0.10, well below the cost to make it and everyone eventually had to stop selling lemonade and lost their business/job..

If you're not talking to your 13-year-old about the real world yet, you're already raising them wrong.

I wrote out a long reply to the "God's plan" statement, but thought it better of it and deleted it. I'd rather recommend a book for you to read now that you have the time. (No offense intended)

"God's Problem" by Bart Ehrman

Not telling your children is the same as lying to them. Children learn from their parents. What sort of morals would you be instilling?

Well, you lie to them about the Tooth Fairy and Satan Clause, why not about real life issues too? I'm sure it won't affect them later on.

Thank you all I really appreciate it. Seems like almost everyone told there kids so that gave me the courage to do so as well. My first time going through this and I have mostly shielded my children from negativity. Took them out to see Kung Fu Panda and Pizza brought them home and told them the news. The older two had some worries about losing home, moving away from friends in school and having food told them not to worry all will be fine, just that for a few months we might not got everything as we are used to. As far as god that is a personal thing to some it is a fantasy but to me everything is Gods plan to whom we return at the end. My kids before putting them to bed were praying as well and to my that was priceless to see.

Lol I need the faith because I try to stay optimistic but even during watching the movie with kids my stomach was having anxiety episodes of the uncertainty. Luckily for me my skillset is transferable to the outside OG. Good Luck to everyone.

I'd tell them.

I was on contract to schlumberger some years ago. As the contract ended, I had nothing to go to. We waited until the end of her school year, second year in high school. We told her then but she had already figured it out. She knew as long as we were confident, then she was not going to worry. That we would figure things out. You have to be brave or at least appear to be brave for your kids. They will always follow your lead.

Well that escalated quickly.

My advice is to stop peddling religious fantasies as fact to young vulnerable minds. Teach them to rely on real life people and things, instead of putting all of their confidence in a deity in which we have absolutely no evidence of its existence. What a different world we would live in if grown adults didn't have imaginary friends. Other than that- tell them you lost your job.

You need to tell them because most likely your leaving this state. There is no jobs in this industry and my guess is your skills like the rest of ours, are to refined for another industry. Better tell them otherwise the moving company will.

Maybe this is because I'm a few drinks in, but this just seems ridiculous. Of course you should tell them. First - they're not stupid and if you don't tell them and they find out, it will be massively insulting to them. Second, they need to know the reality of what life is like as an adult. Third, when they see you rebound they will realize that people bounce back from bad times in their life.

Not telling them will be just another step to raising kids who think they are entitled to always have a job, always get a raise, always have someone wipe their butts. In other words, not telling them creates the next generation of Bernie Sanders voters. Good help us!

Of course you should tell them. Your on the right track. Life is "good times." It's also struggle and sacrifice, and withholding that from them will make them naive to the realities they will face as they get older.

Although, I'm confused... You want to convey to your children that we live in the "real world," yet you indoctrinate them into an ancient mythos. Try having faith in and relying on yourself, your friends, your family, and the world around you. With all do respect, try teaching your children how to think, not what to think.

My kids are the same ages (7,10,13) and we have fully told them of the possibility of a layoff and what that would entail. I think you should definitely tell them.

To those who still have a job and Especially to those who do not work in the oil and gas industry that continually ask: Have you found another job yet? Have there been any bites?

Simply just listen if we want to bitch.

I would tell them. Being laid off is not fun. Now is the time to enjoy the extra time you can spend with them and other love ones. You will find work again. I have went through your situation twice. Kids did not like cutting back on cost. However they enjoyed the extra time you can spend with them. Things always work out for the best.

I told my kids "Poppa's got to find another money tree because GE just cut it down".

You were laid off not fired - Good time to explain economics to the kids and have everyone in your corner.

Definitely tell them. They will suspect something is wrong and you don't want them to think they've done something wrong. Best of luck to you. God bless.

You need to tell them. I told ours last year when I was laid off and they became part of my support. Mine are the same age as yours. Always be honest with them and they'll be honest with you.

Don't coddle them. They need to understand that things like this happen in life and understand struggle as well.

Tell them the truth, maybe your kids's generation will be tough like the WWII generation.

We told both of our kids that my husband was let go. The younger one didn't understand but our teenager did.

I was laid off last year, was a total shock! Told wife and kids when I got home. My kids were sad, remember my son playing on the piano,with tears in his eyes..." Bless the Lord, oh my soul". We're immigrants, and the only thing we know is to pray together as a family and work hard.

The LORD knows and He has taken care of us. Not ashamed to say His name...Jesus Christ. Blessed! : )