LAS VEGAS -- Dealing with the financial reality of losing a home can hit a family hard.

While the parents deal with the financial end of foreclosure, the children have a difficult time coping, too.

There's no doubt that as some families struggle to hold on, and as children get ready to go back to school, that losing a home is a scary thought.

Losing a home changes lives forever, and some might say overlooked victims of the real estate crisis are the children.

"As far as thinking are they going to be there come the next day, where will they go," said parent Tashan McKinney.

McKinney, her husband and two children enjoyed a day at the park before school started. This family doesn't have to worry, but according to psychologist Dr. Louis Mortillaro, others do.

"I have worked with kids who have developed a significant amount of anxiety because their basic security is threatened," Mortillaro said.

He said when foreclosure strikes or is nearing, children become nervous.

"Kids will be more clingy and emotional, have sleep problems and have acting-out difficulties at school," Mortillaro said.

He recommends having a plan and letting children know at all times what the family plan is. He said parents should reassure children the adults will take care of everything, and they don’t have to worry.

Reassurance and honesty with children is the best policy when falling into foreclosure, Mortiallaro said.

Mortillaro said to show plenty of love and support to children when dealing with a foreclosure.

Mortillaro said he has seen families putting their teenagers to work at a part-time job to help with expenses, and at times, moving the smaller children in with relatives.