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- Just for the Kids in Need
by Clara Brooks
Updated: Sep. 6, 2023
Originally Published: Aug. 1, 2023
A group of mothers and their children patiently wait in line, clutching papers they need to submit. Unfortunately, this isn’t for anything fun or exciting; it’s a necessary step toward securing help that they desperately require.
As the mothers scroll through their phones, there’s a hint of embarrassment about being in this line. But let’s be real—their phone isn’t the sleekest model; it’s a hand-me-down from a recent upgrade. For a mom of three, having a phone is essential for staying connected. She anxiously stares at her device, hoping to avoid an awkward chat with anyone nearby, wishing she could be anywhere but here.
Meanwhile, the kids stand with their heads down, avoiding eye contact as if they’re waiting for a dreaded announcement. Their previous carefree moments spent playing video games have abruptly transformed into a reality check. They find themselves in line for free lunches at the start of the school year, along with a voucher for a single school uniform. If their mom can’t scrounge up some cash, they’ll be stuck wearing the same outfit every day.
And just when they think it couldn’t get any more embarrassing, a school administrator casually remarks, “Oh, you don’t need that booth; that’s just for the kids in need.” Mom feels a sting of humiliation wash over her, her face reddening as she fights back tears. “I will not cry while registering my child for school,” she tells herself, bracing for the moment.
The kids overhear the comment too, and now they are acutely aware of the label they’ve been given: “the kids in need.” They never thought of themselves as poor; they just thought they were short on funds. But now, that term hangs over them like a dark cloud, a reminder of their situation.
The school secretary likely didn’t intend to hurt anyone’s feelings; it was just a thoughtless remark. After all, she wouldn’t say, “that door is just for the physically challenged kids” or “that area is for the struggling students.” Those phrases would be considered offensive.
We live in a society where we often feel the need to elevate ourselves by putting others down. It’s ironic that while we teach our children not to bully, adults continue to judge and belittle each other for not conforming to societal standards.
We rarely pause to consider the circumstances that have led these families to seek assistance. Instead, we might think, “They should have made better choices,” or “If only they had a job.” We don’t want to acknowledge that the same misfortunes that befell them could happen to us—unexpected job losses, health crises, or changes in family dynamics that leave a single parent struggling to make ends meet.
Throughout the school year, students won’t know who is receiving free lunches or wearing donated uniforms; we’ve worked hard to ensure that no child stands out. Their lunch accounts are on cards, just like everyone else’s, and their clothes come from the same stores. We want to protect them from bullying and foster a safe environment.
Yet, it’s perplexing that adults can’t seem to stop their own judgement. Where do kids learn the art of bullying? Why is it so difficult to recognize that being different doesn’t equate to being inferior? We should be extending support to one another rather than tearing each other down.
We can do better, can’t we?
For more insights on parenting and navigating challenges, check out this resource on home insemination or visit Make a Mom for expert tips. You can also find excellent information over at Rmany’s blog.
Summary:
This article highlights the struggles faced by families in need, particularly focusing on the stigma and judgment they encounter. It emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding, urging readers to consider the circumstances that can lead to such situations. The piece advocates for a supportive community where parents uplift each other instead of resorting to judgment.