Credit Canada

Meet Danny, a typical teen. Except when he first flashes across the TV screen, he's kneeling in a playpen. A caption introduces him as "Recovering Momma's Boy." Seconds later, Danny is in a highchair, protesting, "I'm not a baby, mom!"

Talk of silver linings can be especially irritating when you're lurching through a treacherous financial storm. But for parents, the turbulent economy - and pressure on household budgets - provides some opportunities.