How Can Parents Help Children Understand Poverty?

Poverty is a real and widespread issue in today's world. From small towns to big cities, it̵7;s a problem too big to ignore. Undoubtedly, you desire that your children will mature and flourish with a deep sense of compassion for those less fortunate. Because children may find it difficult to comprehend the complexities of poverty, it is sometimes wise to teach them through actions. The day your child voluntarily offers up a portion of his allowance or playtime to help someone less fortunate will be a proud day for you as a parent.

  1. Discussion

    • Talking about poverty is a first step in finding out what your child understands about the issue. Whether you see a homeless person on the street or watch a show on television that highlights poverty, use the opportunity to engage your child in conversation. Ask him what he thinks about being poor and how it would feel to not have a home or a cupboard full of food. This will spark an important conversation and get him thinking about the issue.

    Genuine Empathy

    • It is difficult for a child to understand something if they have never encountered or endured that particular event or occurrence themselves. Ask your child to imagine what it's like to experience poverty. ̶0;How do you think that child feels about not having a bed to sleep in?̶1; or ̶0;You have to live everyday being grateful because you have food to eat , toys to play with, and a warm bed to sleep in every night̶1; are questions you might ask. When children take the time to compare their lives to those of the less fortunate, they will start to empathize and hopefully want to help. Encouraging genuine empathy helps them to understand that not everyone lives the way they do. With a bit of guidance from you, this should help inspire action.

    Volunteering

    • Children are extremely visual. They usually do not understand something unless they see the object or issue with their own eyes. Volunteering at your local homeless shelter or Red Cross can help make the realities of poverty seem real to your child. Allow your children to become involved first-hand in helping the impoverished so they will develop gratitude along with a realization that others are not as fortunate. If they see that you have genuine empathy for these people by investing your time, they will too. Spending time volunteering will also break negative stereotypes your children may have had. They will understand that the poor are people not so different from themselves. Fear will be replaced by compassion.

    Charity and Giving

    • Teach your children about giving by being a great example of a giver. Your child will probably grow up understanding that money is earned by working hard. If she sees that you have a heart to give a portion of your earnings to the impoverished, your child will realize that giving is important -- and then follow your lead. Team up with your child to lead a food drive or suggest that she donate a portion of her allowance for a worthy cause. By establishing giving as a routine part of family life, you will encourage your child to have a generous heart.

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