One of the hardest, yet most crucial, conversations to have with your child can be talking about why some families have more than others do. And, why, some families don’t have much at all. At Real Champions, Inc. we define poverty as more than just a lack of financial resources; it’s also about isolation, a lack of access, and the potential of an individual being blocked by the systems around them.
As parents, educators, and advocates, it’s our responsibility to create awareness, nurture empathy, and instill a sense of social responsibility in the minds of our children. By addressing topics such as poverty, we have the opportunity to empower children to better understand the world around them. And in doing so, develop a compassionate perspective for their peers.
Use Age-Appropriate Language
When approaching a topic as heavy as poverty, it’s important to use language that matches the child’s age and development level. Younger children may not grasp complex economic and social concepts, so be sure to use simple terms and relatable examples. As they grow older, the conversation can become more complex, introducing more nuanced discussions.
Take Advantage of Real Life Stories
We encourage you to begin the conversation simply by explaining what poverty is. Maybe something like, “Poverty means not having enough money to buy the things you need – things like food, clothes, and a safe place to live.” Using comparisons that they can relate to, like saving their allowance for something special, can oftentimes help them better understand the importance of this concept. Poverty is about more than money it is about isolation, access, and the potential of an individual being blocked by systems around them.
But, it’s also important to explain that poverty is about more than just money – explain to them that some kids grow up without many opportunities that most kids have. The way our society is systemically created to be advantageous toward some groups of people can be a complicated subject, so laying the groundwork for that early can make these conversations easier later.
You can also share age-appropriate stories about people your child may know who have experienced poverty. It’s important that you highlight stories that offer kindness, resilience, and points of positivity.
Emphasize Empathy & Gratitude
Empathy is a powerful tool that can help children understand a topic as difficult as poverty. Encourage them to imagine how it might feel for them to not have enough food or a warm, safe place to sleep. This helps them make an emotional connection with the experiences of others.
Understanding poverty can be an opportunity for a child to better appreciate what they have. Things like their home, clothes, and family that have always been a given can be recognized as much more valuable and things to be thankful for. This can help them develop a more mindful and appreciative outlook on life.
Encourage Questions
Encourage your child to ask as many questions as they feel necessary. This will show them that you value their viewpoint and want to help them understand. Be prepared to answer their questions honestly and without judgement.
Foster a Desire for Solutions
While it’s important that your child understand the challenges of poverty, it’s also imperative that you communicate that solutions are possible. Emphasizing positive actions people can take to help those in need can instill a desire to create change. Discuss things like food drives, shelters, and other community programs that work to help those in need. You can also teach kids that even small actions, like donating old toys and volunteering for a nonprofit, can make a big impact on those who need it.
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Discussing poverty with children is a challenging topic – but, at Real Champions, Inc., we believe it is a vital step in raising socially conscious and compassionate individuals. Your conversation can help spark a desire to turn their concern and empathy into action. You can be the source that encourages them to be a part of the change for children.
