Each year, our family comes together in a large circle during Thanksgiving to express our gratitude. This cherished tradition is one of my favorite parts of the evening—second only to the delicious feast, of course! Recently, I prompted my 3-year-old son to share what he was thankful for, eagerly anticipating his response. Without hesitation, he listed off his favorite toys: “My Batmobile, my superhero cape, my fire truck, my train tracks—and the new Aquaman that Grandma just ordered.” His innocent enthusiasm brought a smile to my face; these are the things a child should be grateful for.
However, I have been reflecting on the importance of broadening my children’s perspectives beyond their toys and playtime. I want them to understand, without inducing worry or guilt, that not every child is fortunate enough to have an abundance of toys or a Thanksgiving dinner that could feed multiple families.
While my family has never faced severe poverty, we did experience a challenging financial period a few years ago. My partner was unemployed, I was pregnant with my now 3-year-old, and we were living in a cramped one-bedroom apartment. It took nearly a year for him to secure a full-time job, during which time we relied on unemployment benefits, food stamps, and Medicaid.
I vividly remember the morning before our second son was born. My partner had received a letter from the unemployment office threatening to halt his benefits due to a missing document. It was a weekend, and he couldn’t resolve the issue until Monday. The atmosphere in our home was filled with anxiety and uncertainty. Would we lose our financial support? Would we have to reach out to our parents for a loan?
When my labor began, those financial concerns lingered heavily in my mind. The letter, the mounting bills, and our dwindling savings cast a shadow over what should have been a joyous day—the arrival of our second son.
Although we were never truly impoverished, and my partner found employment shortly after, those months of financial strain taught me to appreciate the material possessions we often take for granted. My older son remembers those lean days and the discussions about money. He recalls the joy of his father’s new job, but I wonder if he truly grasps that many families lack even the basics we maintained during our struggles. He likely does not realize that one in three children in America lives in poverty.
Consider that statistic: one in three children. That’s an overwhelming number, representing millions of young lives. These realities can be uncomfortable to face, especially for children. Yet, it is essential for me to have these conversations with them.
This Thanksgiving, we will discuss poverty in age-appropriate ways. As we donate canned goods to my older son’s school, we will talk about how even a small can of food can be a lifeline for families who may only have one meal a day. When we gather coins and dollars to contribute to organizations like UNICEF and Feeding America, we will discuss the fundamental needs of families in need, emphasizing that toys and other non-essentials are luxuries, not necessities.
I recognize that discussing poverty and contributing food and funds won’t single-handedly resolve the widespread issue in America. Significant systemic changes are necessary to eradicate poverty. However, as a mother, when I contemplate the struggles of those less fortunate, I feel compelled to take action. The thought of a child going to bed hungry, cold, or frightened weighs heavily on my heart.
Thus, I do what I can, teaching my children to do the same. Every small gesture counts. If we can help even one child sleep with a full stomach, then we have made a difference. If each of us contributes in our own way and nurtures this spirit in our children, we can collectively create a positive impact on the world.
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In summary, this Thanksgiving is an opportunity to instill the values of gratitude and awareness in my children, equipping them to understand and empathize with those who face difficult circumstances.