Every year, my family comes together to share what we are thankful for in a circle. This cherished tradition is undoubtedly the highlight of our Thanksgiving celebration—aside from the delicious food, of course! In preparation for this year’s gathering, I asked my 3-year-old son, Leo, what he was grateful for. His response came quickly: “My toy dinosaurs, my superhero cape, my fire truck, my train set—and the new superhero book Grandma bought me.” His enthusiasm for his toys made me smile. At his age, it’s natural for him to appreciate such things.
However, I have been reflecting on the importance of broadening my children’s perspective beyond the comforts of their toys and home. I want Leo and his older sister, Emma, to understand that not all children have access to the abundance of toys they enjoy or the luxury of a Thanksgiving feast that could feed multiple families.
While we have never known true poverty, a few years ago our financial situation was quite challenging. My husband, Alex, was out of work, I was pregnant with Leo, and we were cramped in a one-bedroom apartment. It took Alex nearly a year to secure a full-time position, during which time we relied on unemployment benefits, food stamps, and Medicaid.
I vividly recall the morning before Leo was born. Alex received a letter from the unemployment office threatening to halt his benefits due to missing paperwork. It was a weekend, and he couldn’t get in touch with anyone to resolve the issue. Our home was filled with anxiety and uncertainty. Would we have to ask family for help? Would we be left without any support?
As labor began, those worries loomed large. The stress of the letter, the mounting bills, and our dwindling savings overshadowed what was meant to be one of the happiest days of my life—the arrival of our second son. Thankfully, Alex eventually found work, and we emerged from that tough period. Yet, those months of financial strain taught me to appreciate the importance of not taking material possessions for granted.
Emma has some memories from that difficult time. She recalls our discussions about money and the relief we felt when Alex got a new job. Yet, I fear she does not fully grasp that many families struggle far more than we did, and that one in three children in America lives in poverty.
That statistic is staggering. It represents millions of children who face challenges that my own kids cannot comprehend. Although these realities are uncomfortable to address, it is crucial for me to have these conversations with them.
This Thanksgiving, we will discuss poverty in a way that they can grasp. As we donate canned goods to Emma’s school, we will highlight how even a small can of food can make a significant difference for families who often go without. While collecting change for organizations like UNICEF and Feeding America, we will talk about the essentials that low-income families need, emphasizing that toys and books are simply luxuries.
I understand that talking about poverty and donating food or money won’t eliminate the complex issues we face in this country, and that systemic change is necessary. However, as a mother, I feel compelled to take action. The thought of a child going to bed hungry, cold, or frightened troubles me deeply.
I strive to do what I can and teach my children to do the same. Every small effort counts. If just one more child goes to sleep with a full stomach because of our actions, we’ve made a positive impact. If every family makes a similar effort, we can collectively create change.
In summary, it’s important to instill in our children a sense of empathy and awareness about poverty while also encouraging them to take action. This Thanksgiving is a chance to reflect on our blessings and to recognize how we can help those less fortunate. Our discussions will introduce them to the realities faced by many families, fostering a sense of compassion and responsibility.
Keyphrase: Teaching Kids About Poverty
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