"Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat." -- Mother Teresa
14 Ways To Effectively Explain Homelessness And Poverty To Your Child
“Mom, why is that person sleeping on the sidewalk?”
“Dad, why does Jonah wear the same clothes at school every day?”
Many parents struggle with how to respond to these common questions without an easy answer. If you’re one of these parents, you’re not alone. Talking to children about important social issues like homelessness and poverty can leave even the most experienced parents stumped." This simple guide, compiled by a therapist from a nonprofit, offers practical guidance on how to turn these big questions into teachable moments for your chlid, and it is even broken down by age to ensure your response is most relevant for your child. [read more]
“Dad, why does Jonah wear the same clothes at school every day?”
Many parents struggle with how to respond to these common questions without an easy answer. If you’re one of these parents, you’re not alone. Talking to children about important social issues like homelessness and poverty can leave even the most experienced parents stumped." This simple guide, compiled by a therapist from a nonprofit, offers practical guidance on how to turn these big questions into teachable moments for your chlid, and it is even broken down by age to ensure your response is most relevant for your child. [read more]
Reading Corner
Title: Lily and the Paper Man
By: Rebecca Upjohn
Ages: 4-8
Why? "Walking with her mother on the way home from school one day, Lily runs straight into a gruff and untidy-looking man selling papers on the street. Lily is afraid of the man, but when the weather turns cold, she starts to see the Paper Man differently - she sees his bare toes through the holes in his boots and his thin shirt through the holes in his coat. As she lies in her cosy bed at night, she wonders how the Paper Man stays warm. Lily comes up with a wonderful idea." -- Publishers
By: Rebecca Upjohn
Ages: 4-8
Why? "Walking with her mother on the way home from school one day, Lily runs straight into a gruff and untidy-looking man selling papers on the street. Lily is afraid of the man, but when the weather turns cold, she starts to see the Paper Man differently - she sees his bare toes through the holes in his boots and his thin shirt through the holes in his coat. As she lies in her cosy bed at night, she wonders how the Paper Man stays warm. Lily comes up with a wonderful idea." -- Publishers
Recommended by Robin Coombs
Be the Change
Next time you pass by a homeless person make an effort to connect with them even if it's just a simple "hello" or a smile, as kids learn by watching what their parents show empathy. If you have children 10+, you may also like to share "The Kid's Guide to Hunger and Homelessness: How to Take Action" with them, which features some incredible ideas to explore together as a family.
