Every year, our family comes together in a large circle to share what we are grateful for. This tradition is one I cherish, as it truly embodies the spirit of the holiday—along with the delicious food, of course! Recently, I asked my 3-year-old son what he appreciated most. His response came quickly: “My Batmobile, my Superman cape, my fire truck, my train tracks—and the new Aquaman Grandma just ordered.” His enthusiasm for his toys brought a smile to my face. At his age, it’s perfectly natural for him to express gratitude for such things.
However, I’ve been contemplating how to encourage my children to expand their perspective beyond their realm of toys, school, and home. I want them to recognize, without instilling fear or guilt, that not every child enjoys the same abundance of toys or a Thanksgiving spread that could feed multiple families.
While my family has never faced poverty, we have experienced financial hardship. Not long ago, my husband was unemployed during my pregnancy with our youngest child, and we were living in a small one-bedroom apartment. For nearly a year, he struggled to find full-time work. During that time, we relied on unemployment benefits, food assistance, and Medicaid.
I vividly recall the day before our second son was born. My husband received a notice from the unemployment office threatening to cut off his benefits due to a missing document. It was a weekend, and he couldn’t resolve the issue. That day was filled with uncertainty and anxiety. What would happen if they stopped our checks? Would we need to borrow money from family?
When labor began, the issue was still unresolved, and the worries of that year weighed heavily on me. The stress of bills piling up and dwindling savings overshadowed one of the most significant days of my life—welcoming our second son into the world.
Though we were never in dire poverty, those challenging months instilled a deep appreciation for material possessions. My older son remembers our struggles, our discussions about finances, and the joy we felt when his dad found a new job. However, I’m not sure he fully grasps that many families face even greater difficulties and lack basic necessities. Statistics reveal that approximately 1 in 3 children in America live in poverty—an eye-opening and distressing reality.
This Thanksgiving, I aim to discuss these issues with my children in a way that they can comprehend. As we donate canned goods to his elementary school, we will talk about how even small contributions can make a difference for families who sometimes only have one meal a day. As we gather spare change for organizations like UNICEF and Feeding America, we’ll discuss the essential needs of families in poverty, emphasizing that toys and other luxuries are not necessities.
I understand that these conversations and small acts of kindness will not eradicate poverty. There are larger systemic changes required to address this issue. Yet, as a mother, I feel compelled to take action. The thought of any child going to bed hungry or scared deeply troubles me.
I teach my children to do what they can, no matter how small it may seem. If even one more child goes to sleep with a full belly, we have succeeded. If we all contribute, teach our children to care, and take small actions, we can collectively create a positive impact.
In conclusion, it’s essential to raise awareness about poverty and engage children in discussions about empathy and generosity. By doing so, we equip them to understand the world around them and inspire them to contribute positively.
Keyphrase: Teaching children about poverty
Tags: home insemination kit, home insemination syringe, self insemination