The recession has impacted American families and the schools their children attend like nothing in recent memory. Many families continue to struggle with the impact of joblessness. The number of homeless children and youth is staggering. Families struggle with access to health care, growing hunger and greater instability in the family unit. Numbers fail to adequately describe the impact of the recession on American families but here is some recent data provided by the Pew Research Center and the Census Bureau. The Pew Center found that the recession impacted American's differently--those who "lost ground" (55% of Americans) and those who "held their own" (45% of Americans). While there is no single strategy for dealing with these issues, several ideas have emerged that can help principals respond to the crisis. First, recognize one's important role in supporting one's employees as well as students and their families. Pay attention to people and encourage one's staff to do the same. Second, identify ways that families can be connected to school events. Third, talk with other principals in the district, and nearby districts, about how they are responding. Fourth, talk with local businesses or social service agencies about ways to create a partnership; and fifth, remain unconditionally optimistic. (Contains 10 online resources.)