Are We Rich or Poor?-Kate
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 8:00AM We tucked our littlest into bed last Friday night, when she posed this question: “Mommy, are we rich or are we poor?” I was a little taken back since money has never been an issue in our family. My children all know that they are not allowed to have everything they want because of money. They know that we shop at garage sales and Goodwill for different items. They also know that sometimes we shop at expensive shops for bigger household items. So I had to think really hard whether we were rich or poor.
I thought about this question in context of other countries. This led me to believe that, yes, we are VERY rich. We own our own home. We own 2 cars. Both my husband and I have obtained college degrees. We have 4 beautiful children who have their own rooms, clothes, and toys. We live in a country where we are allowed to believe in different religions, cultures, and norms. We have so many opportunities that others do not have.
Materially speaking, compared to the rest of the world, we are rich. I think of children around our country and around the world who do not know where the next meal is coming from, or even if there will be next meal. I think of families who are uneducated and taken advantage of by those in power who manipulate and control their lives due to the lack of education. I think of the many items that we in America take for granted-like running water, constant heat/air conditioning, available food, freedom to believe and act how we choose. I think of those who live in fear, hunger, and poverty every day.
So in answering Leah’s simple question, I had to think through many different ideas to present to a 6 ½ year old. I explained that we have what we need to get the necessities in life. These necessities included food, shelter, clothing, and other material items. I also explained that sometimes we have a little extra to do fun things like skiing, and going on a family vacation. I wanted her to understand that even in her own sphere of acquaintances, she had more than some and less than some. She shared friends who, in her opinion, had and friends who did not have. I explained that we were neither poor nor rich. I explained that above all we must be grateful for those things that we have and also we should help those who had less than us.
After a good ½ hour of talking with Leah about these things, she decided to settle into bed. I asked her if there was anything else she wanted to talk about. She simply answered, “No, I just wanted to know if we had enough money for me to get a soda from the vending machine. I wish we were rich.” I kissed her sweet head, and knew that I am indeed VERY rich. And a child shall lead them....
Reader Comments (4)
What a funny kid. I do that too. I read more into what they are asking, and probably give too much info. BUT I have to admit, there are times that Tori is asking a question that she wants a multiple layered answer to...being a parent is tricky business! - Becky
Too cute. I think about this time of year showing the biggest dichotomies between the "haves" and "have nots" in our country. I guess I notice it more since there are food bank drives, coats for kids, and such more than any other time of the year. My kids do too. They don't fully understand how "rich" we really are.
My youngest just left for college this year. I think she is barely understanding how to look outside herself to what the world looks like. I know it was a learning experience for me.
Aren't children wonderful! They make us think about things we are often too busy to think about.