Every year, my family comes together for a heartfelt Thanksgiving tradition: we sit in a large circle and share what we’re thankful for. It’s truly my favorite part of the celebration—second only to the delicious feast, of course! Recently, I asked my 3-year-old son, Lucas, what he was grateful for, and his response came swiftly: “My dinosaur toys, my superhero costume, my race car, and the new LEGO set Grandma sent!” His excitement about his toys brought a smile to my face. At his age, these are precisely the kinds of things he should cherish.
However, I’ve been reflecting on how important it is for my children to understand that their world is not the only one. Without instilling fear or guilt, I want them to recognize that many children don’t have the abundance of toys and the luxury of a Thanksgiving feast overflowing with food.
While we’ve never faced true poverty, there was a time when our financial situation was bleak. A few years back, my partner was out of work, I was pregnant with Lucas, and we found ourselves in a tiny one-bedroom apartment. It took nearly a year for him to secure a full-time job. During that challenging period, we relied on unemployment benefits, food stamps, and Medicaid.
I vividly remember the day before our second son was born. My partner received a letter from the unemployment office threatening to cut off our benefits due to a missing document. It was a weekend, and he couldn’t resolve it immediately. That day was filled with anxiety and uncertainty. Would we have to ask our parents for money? Would our support run out?
As I went into labor, the worries of the past year weighed heavily on me. The stress of bills piling up and our dwindling savings overshadowed what should have been a joyous occasion—the birth of our second son. Thankfully, my partner found a job a few months later, but those trying times taught me never to take material possessions for granted.
Lucas, my older son, remembers those tough days. He recalls our discussions, arguments, and worries about money, as well as the celebration when his dad got a new job. However, I’m not sure he grasps that many families don’t have the same safety net we did, even during our struggles. Did he know that 1 in 3 children in America live in poverty?
Take a moment to think about that statistic: one in three children. That’s a staggering number, representing millions of kids who face challenges we can hardly imagine. These truths can be uncomfortable, but it’s crucial for me to address them with my children.
This Thanksgiving, we will discuss these issues in a way they can comprehend. As we donate canned goods to Lucas’s school, I will explain how even a small can of food can be a lifeline for families who might only have one meal a day. As we gather coins to contribute to charities like UNICEF and Feeding America, I’ll talk about what essentials are needed for families in need and how toys, books, and other possessions are luxuries, not necessities.
I recognize that discussing poverty and donating food and money won’t solve the larger systemic problems that exist in America. There are significant changes that need to occur for poverty to be eliminated. However, as a mother, I feel compelled to act. When I think about a child going to bed hungry or scared, it breaks my heart.
So, I do what I can and teach my children to do the same. Each small action contributes to a greater good. If even one more child sleeps with a full belly, that’s meaningful. If we all commit to doing our part and teach our children to do the same, we can indeed make a difference.
On a related note, you can explore more about the importance of awareness and action at this link. For those interested in parenting and fertility resources, check out Make A Mom and UCSF for valuable information.
In summary, this Thanksgiving, let’s encourage our children to appreciate their blessings while also understanding the realities of those less fortunate. By educating them on poverty and philanthropy, we can inspire compassion and kindness that extends beyond our own homes.