Talking About Homelessness With Children
I saw her out of the corner of my eye as my daughter was “pretending” to ride the arcade motorcycle. She was an older lady with a backpack on her back, and she began putting her fingers into the coin return slots in each of the arcade games furthest from us. She had a certain look about her and it took me about 3 seconds to figure out what she was doing, and another 3 seconds to decide to put some of my own coins in the arcade machine closest to me for her to find. I wasn’t fast enough, though. She came up empty handed with all of the game machines in that room. I didn’t get my coins out quick enough to put them in a coin return slot, so I just offered them to her. “Here you go.” I said, smiling. She shook her head no with the telltale signs of a hard life on her face.
I know that giving her coins isn’t the answer, but I hoped that my offer helped her to feel less “invisible” in that few seconds…
I know there is a homeless situation in virtually every town and city in our country. My daughter is aware that some people don’t have a home because we’ve helped to make food for the GIFTS Men’s Homeless Shelter in Janesville. We’ve not served the meals to those who use the shelter, though. That will come when she’s a bit older. I know there are as many different reasons why someone is homeless as there are homeless people. This has been a topic of discussion with my daughter, although a very simple discussion to match her 3 ½ year old cognitive abilities.
What are some ways that you discuss this, and similar situations with your children? What ways are you and your family involved in helping?
Brenda Schultz lives in Milton. She is a stay at home mom of a 3-year-old, formerly a public school teacher. She cares for other children part-time, and teaches beginning piano. Brenda is a community blogger and is not a part of The Gazette staff. Her opinion is not necessarily that of the The Gazette staff or management.
Apr 7, 2011 at 11:31 p.m.
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I want to instill in my children a "gratitude consciousness." I believe the most effective way to help them understand others' misfortune, is to have a healthy understanding of their own fortunate circumstances.
I have a little girl at home. She's not 4 yet, but I ask her questions that force her to think critically, think unconventionally, challenge the status quo. Every moment with her, for me, is a teachable moment. Making a life lesson out of nothing is my approach to parenting. I don't shy away from tough answers, either.
And talking about meaningful issues, like why some kids don't have a home, or why her friend's daddy doesn't live with her, is always easier over ice cream. (get their stomach. get their heart.)
Apr 1, 2011 at 10:11 a.m.
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Brenda, very important to teach the children about what is going on in our community. I know so many in our town try to shield our community from the perception that there are homeless people in our community. Thank you for helping.
Apr 1, 2011 at 8:50 a.m.
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A smile and a hello cost nothing and opens the door for the person to know you have no judgement towards them.When I see someone that needs just a little kindness,I just say ...here's a little something for you .They have no idea what or how much I just handed them but are thankful none the less for the kindness.It all starts with a smile and a hello.
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