Every Thanksgiving, my family comes together in a large circle to share our gratitude. It’s a cherished tradition that I look forward to, and without a doubt, it’s the highlight of the evening (aside from the delicious food!). Recently, as we prepared for this year’s celebration, I asked my 3-year-old son, Oliver, what he was thankful for. He eagerly listed, “My Batmobile, my superhero cape, my fire truck, my train tracks, and the new Aquaman toy Grandma ordered.” His enthusiastic response brought a smile to my face; after all, these are the things a young child should appreciate.
However, I’ve been reflecting on how to encourage my children to think beyond their immediate world of toys, school, and home. I want them to understand, without instilling fear or guilt, that many children don’t have as many toys as they do, nor do they enjoy the luxury of a Thanksgiving feast plentiful enough to feed multiple families.
While my family has never faced true poverty, we did endure a challenging financial period a few years ago. My partner, Jake, was unemployed while I was pregnant with Oliver, and we were living in a small one-bedroom apartment. It took Jake almost a year to secure a full-time job, during which we relied on unemployment benefits, food stamps, and Medicaid.
I vividly remember the morning before our second son was born when we received a letter from the unemployment office threatening to cut off our benefits due to a missing document. It was a Saturday, and Jake couldn’t resolve the issue until Monday. Our home was filled with anxiety and uncertainty about our financial future. As my labor began, those worries lingered, overshadowing one of the most significant moments of my life—welcoming our second son into the world.
Although we were never in dire poverty and Jake found employment shortly after, those months of struggle taught me the importance of appreciating what we have. Oliver remembers those tough times, the discussions about money, and the joy when his dad finally got a new job. Yet, I’m not sure he comprehends that many families don’t share our experiences, even in hard times. He might not realize that 1 in 3 children in America live in poverty.
Consider that statistic: 1 in 3 children. That represents millions of boys and girls who face significant challenges. These realities can be uncomfortable for anyone to confront, including my children. But that’s precisely why I feel compelled to address it with them.
This Thanksgiving, we will discuss these issues in an age-appropriate manner. As we donate canned food to Oliver’s school, we’ll emphasize how even small contributions can mean a lot to families who may only have one meal a day. While gathering coins to support organizations like UNICEF and Feeding America, we’ll talk about the essentials that families in need require, reinforcing that toys and material items are luxuries, not necessities.
I understand that discussing poverty and making small donations won’t resolve the systemic issues causing it. There are significant changes needed to address poverty on a larger scale. However, as a mother, I cannot ignore the plight of children who go to sleep hungry or scared. It’s heartbreaking and leaves me feeling powerless.
Therefore, I do what I can, and I teach my children to do the same. Every small action counts. If just one more child goes to bed with a full stomach, we’ve made a positive impact. By collectively doing a little good and instilling these values in our children, we can contribute to meaningful change.
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In summary, teaching our children about poverty during Thanksgiving can foster empathy and awareness. Creating conversations around gratitude and giving can help them appreciate their privileges while encouraging them to contribute positively to society.